West Virginia residents should be more vigilant about ticks year-round, but especially in late spring and early summer, health officials and university researchers say. Dense hardwood forests, abundant white-tailed deer and humid river corridors across the state create ideal habitat for multiple tick species, increasing the risk of tickborne illnesses.
What is driving the risk
The West Virginia Department of Health identifies the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) as the species most commonly encountered statewide. Blacklegged ticks spread Lyme disease, and West Virginia has been classified as a high-incidence Lyme disease state since 2017.
Researchers at West Virginia University reported a concerning rise in other tickborne illnesses: human cases of anaplasmosis tripled from 2022 to 2023, with blacklegged ticks confirmed as the vector. Officials also note increasing reports of ehrlichiosis and spotted fever rickettsiosis.
Where risks are greatest
Several regions and counties stand out for higher tick densities and reported cases. The Eastern Panhandle is the historic epicenter for Lyme disease in the state. Counties originally designated as Lyme-endemic include Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire, Mineral and Morgan, and reported case counts have continued to rise.
Jefferson County illustrates the trend: health records show the county reported 18 Lyme disease cases in 2015 and 52 cases by 2023. Popular outdoor areas such as the Appalachian Trail corridor through Harpers Ferry National Historic Park bring hikers into frequent contact with brushy and edge habitats where blacklegged ticks thrive.
| County / Area | Notable risk |
|---|---|
| Berkeley, Jefferson, Hampshire, Mineral, Morgan | Designated Lyme-endemic counties; rising case counts in recent years |
| Harpers Ferry (Appalachian Trail corridor) | High hiker exposure; forest edges and brush |
Seasonal timing and prevention
The life stage of blacklegged ticks most often responsible for spreading Lyme disease are the nymphs, which are most active from late spring through early summer. That timing makes warm months particularly important for prevention.
Public-health experts recommend taking routine precautions when spending time outdoors, especially in edge habitats, grassy areas and woodlands. Simple measures can reduce the chance of tick attachment and infection:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent on skin and clothing.
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks when hiking or working in brush.
- Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities and remove ticks promptly.
- Maintain yards by keeping grass short and creating barriers between wooded areas and recreational spaces.
Local health agencies and university researchers continue to monitor tick populations and disease incidence. Residents who find a tick or develop symptoms after a bite — such as fever, rash, fatigue or joint pain — should contact their healthcare provider promptly for evaluation and testing.
This story will be updated as public-health offices release further guidance and county-level data.
