FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2026
Jackson County Recognizes Lyme Disease Awareness Month and Highlights Local Tick Research
Jackson County Vector Control District (JCVCD) is observing Lyme Disease Awareness Month by encouraging residents to stay informed about tick‑borne illnesses and the steps they can take to protect themselves and their pets as outdoor activity increases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, this pathogen can spread to humans from the bite of an infected blacklegged tick which are found in wooded and brushy habitats throughout Southern Oregon.
Research Shows Multiple Tick‑Borne Pathogens Present in Jackson County
JCVCD carried out a study on both immature (nymphal) and adult Western blacklegged ticks (Ixodes pacificus) collected in Jackson County between 2022 and 2024. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Parasitology, revealed several key findings:
- Blacklegged ticks in Jackson County can carry pathogens including:
- Borrelia burgdorferi (bacteria that causes Lyme disease)
- Borrelia miyamotoi (bacteria that causes hard tick relapsing fever)
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum (bacteria that causes anaplasmosis)
- Tick nymphs carried Lyme disease more frequently than adults
- Nymphs are concerning because they are active in spring and early summer when people tend to spend time outdoors. Additionally, they are very small—about the size of a poppy seed—and therefore more difficult to detect.
These results highlight the ongoing need for public awareness and personal protection, particularly during spring and early summer when nymphs are most active.
Tick Prevention Strategies for Residents
Jackson County Vector Control District encourages all residents to take simple steps to reduce the risk of tick exposure:
- Stay on clear, established trails and avoid brushing against tall grass or dense vegetation
- Use EPA‑registered repellents like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Wear boots or shoes along with long sleeves and pants (light colors are best)
- Consider tucking pants into long socks to help prevent ticks from getting on your skin
- Perform tick checks soon after spending time outdoors, especially on children and pets
- Shower after coming indoors to help remove unattached ticks
- Dry outdoor clothing on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks
A Community Effort
“Ticks are a natural part of our environment, but the illnesses they carry are preventable,” said JCVCD district manager, Geoff Taylor. “Awareness, early detection, and simple protective measures go a long way in keeping our community safe.”
Information about JCVCD’s tick surveillance program can be found https://jcvcd.gov/dontbeaticktarget/
For more about tick-borne diseases and prevention visit https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/?metricsPageName=About%20Ticks
The full version of JCVCD’s tick research paper can be found at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/parasitology/articles/10.3389/fpara.2025.1599377/full