Alexandria health officials are reporting a steady climb in Lyme disease cases since 2020, prompting a localized push to educate residents on parasite detection as spring weather draws families and pets outdoors.
The uptick in infections has led the Alexandria Health Department to launch the “Don’t Let Ticks Stick” campaign. Local experts warn that the risk isn’t limited to deep woods; ticks frequently inhabit residential yards, parks, and any area with tall grass or dead leaves.
Black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, carry the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. If left untreated, the infection can progress from initial fever, fatigue, and joint stiffness to more severe complications, including irregular heartbeats and chronic muscle pain.
Lyme disease cases in Alexandria have risen since 2020
Local health data shows a clear upward trend in bacterial infections transmitted by the black-legged tick. The disease often manifests as a characteristic “bullseye” shaped rash, though other systemic symptoms like muscle aches and joint stiffness typically follow.
Health officials emphasize that timing is critical for treatment. While it can take up to 24 hours for a tick to transmit Lyme disease, removing the parasite immediately reduces the risk of infection.
Why nymph-stage ticks are harder to spot
Amanda Coletti, an environmental health specialist with the Alexandria Health Department, notes that ticks in their nymph stage typically emerge in early summer. These nymphs are significantly smaller than adults, often appearing no larger than a black sesame seed.
Their size makes visual detection difficult during routine activity. This invisibility increases the likelihood that a tick will remain attached long enough to transmit pathogens without the host noticing.
Across Virginia, alpha-gal syndrome is now a reportable disease
The threat isn’t limited to Lyme. Lone star ticks transmit alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that triggers an allergic reaction to red meat. Virginia has officially categorized this syndrome as a reportable disease, reflecting its growing prevalence in the region.
Ticks find hosts through a process called “questing.” They cling to the edges of tall grass, small trees, or dead leaves, waiting to latch onto a passing human or animal.
How to conduct an effective tick check
A thorough body check takes less than five minutes but requires a systematic approach. Coletti recommends using both sight and touch to scan for parasites in “nooks and crannies” where ticks prefer to hide.
- Check the hairline and behind the ears.
- Scan the armpits and belt line.
- Feel behind the knees and in skin folds.
The Alexandria Health Department is distributing free, credit card-sized removal tools to help residents extract ticks safely. These cards include a QR code that allows residents to send a “tick pic” to experts, which helps the city track tick activity and identify specific species in the area.
Education efforts continue through “tick talks” hosted by city specialists. These events, held at locations like the William Ramsay Recreation Center, aim to give residents the confidence to enjoy outdoor spaces without compromising their health.
Where are the most common places ticks hide on the body?
Ticks gravitate toward warm, hidden areas. The most common spots include the hairline, armpits, belt line, and behind the knees.
What does a nymph tick look like?
Nymph ticks are very small and often resemble a tiny black sesame seed, making them difficult to see without a close visual inspection.