Ticks on the rise in West Virginia: WVU experts warn of Lyme, alpha-gal risks

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two West Virginia University experts are warning residents and visitors that ticks are more prevalent than ever, and encounters with them are increasingly causing serious health risks.

According to Timothy Driscoll, an associate professor of biology in the university's Eberly College of Arts and Sciences in Morgantown, changing environmental conditions are driving a noticeable rise in tick populations across West Virginia.

“We’re seeing more diverse species of ticks, more often,” Driscoll said. “Tick ranges are expanding with a changing climate, and milder winters mean more ticks survive through the season.

"Warmer, wetter conditions also allow ticks to remain active longer and thrive in greater numbers. Even flooding can play a role by pushing tick-carrying animals into human areas.”

Those trends are particularly concerning in a state where hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and trail-based recreation are a year-round draw. Time spent in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas increases the likelihood of tick exposure, especially during warmer months.

Lyme disease cases rising

Driscoll said Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness in West Virginia, and cases are rising rapidly. The disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria and is transmitted through the bite of the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick.

“Lyme disease is spread by the blacklegged tick, which feeds on everything from mice to deer—and sometimes our pets,” he said. “There’s no human vaccine yet, but several are in development. Our lab has been part of an NIH-funded project since 2020 to explore new vaccine targets.”

Early symptoms of Lyme disease typically appear between three and 30 days after a tick bite, though not everyone develops the same signs. Some people never notice the bite itself, which can resemble a small, itchy bump similar to a mosquito bite.

Beyond Lyme disease, Driscoll said researchers are also seeing increases in other infections, including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.

“Though case numbers are still low, the increases are concerning,” he said. “All the ticks that carry these diseases are present in West Virginia, meaning residents face multiple potential risks.”

Alpha-gal syndrome: a growing concern

Another emerging condition linked to tick bites is alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS, a potentially life-threatening food allergy. Matt Lokant, an assistant professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the WVU School of Medicine, said AGS is most often triggered by bites from the lone star tick.

“Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction that is triggered by tick bites,” Lokant said. “Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals but not humans. After a tick bite, alpha-gal can be introduced, and subsequent exposures to red meat can cause food allergy symptoms.”

Unlike many food allergies, symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome are often delayed, appearing two to six hours after eating red meat such as beef, pork, or lamb. Reactions can range from hives, itching, and rashes to severe anaphylaxis.

“Those who do not eat red meat can still develop AGS symptoms if exposed to other mammal-derived products like dairy and gelatin,” Lokant said. “Unlike Lyme disease, which can be associated with a classic bull’s-eye rash, alpha-gal syndrome does not have a classically associated rash.”

There is currently no cure for alpha-gal syndrome. Management focuses on avoiding red meat and mammal-derived products, carefully reading labels, and discussing medications or vaccines that may contain mammal-derived ingredients with healthcare providers. Severe reactions require immediate emergency care and epinephrine treatment.

Prevention is critical

With no cure for alpha-gal syndrome and limited treatment options for many tick-borne diseases, both experts emphasized prevention as the most effective defense.

“Avoiding infection starts with awareness,” Driscoll said. “Wear appropriate clothing, use repellents, and check for ticks on people and pets after spending time outdoors. If you find a tick attached, remove it, save it in a sealed bag, and contact a health care provider.”

Lokant added that people experiencing unexplained allergic reactions—especially delayed reactions after eating—should consider discussing the possibility of alpha-gal syndrome with their doctor.

As West Virginia’s trails, parks, and waterways continue to attract millions of visitors each year, health experts say understanding tick risks and taking simple precautions is becoming essential to enjoying the outdoors safely.

WVU Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases

The WVU Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases provides specialized expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex infectious diseases affecting West Virginians and the broader Appalachian region.

The division cares for patients with a wide range of viral, bacterial, protozoal, and fungal infections, including HIV, hepatitis, bone and joint infections, and respiratory viral illnesses, while also supporting hospital- and community-based care.

Education, scholarship, and mentoring are central to its mission, and faculty work closely with residents and fellows in a learner-centered environment that integrates clinical service, research, and public health outreach.

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Quick Facts: Why tick-borne illnesses are rising in West Virginia

• More ticks, longer seasons: Milder winters and warmer, wetter conditions are allowing more ticks to survive and remain active longer, according to West Virginia University experts.
• Expanding tick species: Researchers report increased tick diversity across the state, expanding the range of diseases people may encounter.
• Lyme disease is on the rise: it is the most common tick-borne illness in West Virginia, spread by the blacklegged (deer) tick.
• New health risks emerging: Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-triggered food allergy linked to the lone star tick, is being diagnosed more frequently.
• Outdoor exposure: Hiking, camping, hunting, yard work, and time spent in wooded or brushy areas raise the risk of tick bites.
• Prevention is key: Experts recommend protective clothing, tick checks on people and pets, and prompt removal of attached ticks.