Case of rare tick-borne illness found in Kansas resident. It’s the third in the state

A case of Heartland virus disease was identified in a Crawford County resident in late May, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Friday.

Heartland is a rare illness transferred by ticks. The disease was discovered in Missouri in 2009; this is Kansas’ third recorded case.

Symptoms of Heartland can include fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain and a rash.

“While Heartland and other tick-borne viruses like Bourbon virus are rare, they can lead to severe illness and even death,” Dr. Erin Petro said in the KDHE report.

It is important to watch out for ticks at this time of year. Though the illness itself is rare, Heartland is transferred through the bite of a lone star tick, the most common tick in Kansas.

“People must take the risk of tick-borne disease seriously and take personal protective measures for themselves and their pets to reduce their chance of acquiring a tick-borne illness,” Petro said.

The lone star tick is most active in Kansas from May to August. The KDHE report recommends several precautionary measures to avoid tick-borne illness, such as minimizing accessible skin outdoors, using EPA-approved bug repellent and performing checks after being in tick-friendly environments.

“This case serves as an important reminder to take precautions as you enjoy the outdoors this summer,” the report says. “Ticks are commonly found at the edge of trails, on tall grasses and in wooded, shaded areas.”

For more information on Heartland virus disease and prevention methods, visit cdc.gov.