Blacklegged Ticks Spreading South, Raising Lyme Disease Concerns

Blacklegged tick populations are expanding into southern U.S. regions beyond their traditional habitats, increasing the risk of Lyme disease and other tickborne infections. An investigation in western North Carolina found a high prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium causing Lyme disease, in collected ticks. Public health officials advise heightened clinical suspicion for these infections in newly affected areas, impacting public health and diagnostic practices.