Georgia ticks found with rare and potentially lethal disease

According to Emory University’s recent findings reported in the CDC’s publication Emerging Infectious Diseases, several lone star ticks in Georgia have been infected with the Heartland virus.

Little information is currently known about the virus, but researchers have discovered that it can potentially be harmful or even deadly to older people with underlying health conditions. The disease can be passed on to humans through a tick bite and can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, decrease in appetite, nausea, diarrhea and muscle or joint pain.

So far, ticks infected with the Heartland virus have been found in six states.

– Ashlyn Kloda, 360 Media, Inc.