Kansas health authorities announced Friday that a southeast Kansas resident has been diagnosed with a rare tick-borne disease that has slowly expanded its reach across the United States since being discovered in 2009.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said a Crawford County resident had been diagnosed with heartland virus, with the diagnosis coming late last month from local health care providers after confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heartland virus is spread by the lone star tick, the most common tick in Kansas, but it is relatively rare. KDHE said the Crawford County case was only the third such case in Kansas since the disease was discovered in 2009 in Missouri.
What are the symptoms of the tick-borne heartland virus?
Health officials nationally have seen the disease spread into new territory across the United States, though there still only have been 60 reported cases in the U.S. as of late 2022. Symptoms can include the following:
• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Headache.
• Potentially, a rash.
Here is how to avoid exposure to heartland virus
KDHE is warning residents of the risks of tick-borne illnesses, including heartland virus, as residents spend more time outdoors and are more exposed to ticks.
• Wear long shirts and pants while spending time outdoors.
• Take a shower and check for ticks after potentially being in their habitat.
• Apply bug spray and, potentially, permethrin to clothing before hiking, camping or other activities.
