Georgia’s massive tick collection helps researchers track disease risks year-round

Georgia is home to one of the world’s largest tick collections, and due to the state’s warm, humid climate, ticks are active year-round.

The tick collection at Georgia Southern University (GSU) includes more than 1 million specimens and is used by public health officials to research and combat tick-borne diseases.

There are three species that are commonly found on humans: the lone star tick, the American dog tick and the black-legged tick.

Dr. Joydip Roy, the Mid-Atlantic market chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare, said understanding how ticks feed is an important first step in prevention efforts.

“Ticks are what’s termed a vector, and they can carry various diseases due to bacteria, viruses, or protozoas, and they can transmit these to humans and cause disease,” Roy said.

Experts recommend wearing long pants, using DEET, and doing thorough body checks after spending time outdoors.

In Georgia, common illnesses include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, lyme disease and a red meat allergy caused by the lone star tick.

Although most tick bites cause minor symptoms, Roy said some can be serious.

“Most of the time there’s going to be some swelling, redness, itching, sometimes pain depending on the type. That’s kind of the local reaction. And every insect bite or sting is different from person to person,” Roy said.

GSU is offering its annual tick workshop this summer to inform the public about the tiny parasites.