Heartland Tick Virus Symptoms

This spring and summer, the potentially deadly Heartland tick virus has been spreading across the United States. While earlier reports have identified cases in Georgia stemming from Lone star ticks, the CDC says a majority of the cases are now emerging from midwestern and southern states.

How concerned should you be about the Heartland tick virus? How can you tell if you have it? Daniel P. Hekman, MD, a family medicine doctor with Franciscan Physician Network Franklin Township Family Medicine, discusses the symptoms of the Heartland tick virus, how it differs from Lyme disease and how to prevent tick bites.

What Are Symptoms Of The Heartland Tick Virus?

Many people are hospitalized from the Heartland tick virus when they experience symptoms after being bitten by a tick, Dr. Hekman said.

If you were bitten by a tick, seek medical care if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• Decreased appetite or anorexia
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Joint stiffness

Fatigue and short-term memory loss are among the symptoms that could last weeks to months, Dr. Hekman said.

“You should absolutely reach out to a professional if your symptoms become moderate to severe,” Dr. Hekman said.

Severe symptoms of the Heartland tick virus can include:

• Body temperatures above 101F
• Debilitating headaches
• Confusion
• Unable to maintain hydration
• Symptoms not improving

How Is The Heartland Virus Different From Lyme Disease?

Many of the symptoms of the Heartland virus and Lyme disease are similar, including:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches

A key difference with Lyme disease is the circular, target-shaped rash that may appear around the site of a tick bite.

“Lyme disease is also transmitted by a tick, but the symptoms usually appear as a large ‘target-shaped’ rash alongside joint aches, fevers, and other organ involvement if not treated,” Dr. Hekman said.

How Is The Heartland Virus Diagnosed?

“The diagnosis of the Heartland virus will be suspected in patients with non-specific symptoms alongside a history of a tick bite received in states where the Lone star tick or the Heartland virus itself have been identified,” Dr. Hekman said.

Is The Heartland Virus Contagious?

“Evidence suggests that Heartland virus is transmitted to humans via bites from the Lone star tick also known as the Amblyomma americanum,” Dr. Hekman said. “Human-to-human transmission has not been observed.”

Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent getting the Heartland virus. Be particularly aware of the presence of Lone star ticks, which can be identified by the trademark white dot, the reddish brown color and round size.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Heartland Virus?

Dr. Hekman states that it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear after an infected tick bite, and symptoms may last several additional weeks.

How Is Heartland Virus Treated?

“There is no specific antiviral therapy or vaccine for prevention of the Heartland virus,” Dr. Hekman said.

While there is no treatment to the Heartland virus itself available, healthcare providers may be able to help treat the related symptoms.

Most people who have been infected by the Heartland virus have completely recovered with supportive care, but there have been records of a few deaths due to a combination of medical conditions alongside the Heartland virus.

How Can I Prevent The Heartland Tick Virus?

“Prevention involves avoidance of tick exposure, use of insect repellants, and prompt removal of attached ticks,” Dr. Hekman said. “Make sure to check your pets for ticks as well.”

Along with the use of insect repellant, you should avoid entering forests or areas with tall grass, especially if you live in a state that has increasing cases of the Heartland virus.