Your Body Almanac

Arkansas

Tick country with humid summers and a strong southern sun.

Arkansas ranks near the top for several tick-borne illnesses, including spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome. Summers are long, hot and humid, and the sun is strong for much of the year.

01

Ticks and the illnesses they carry

CDC lists Arkansas among the seven states with more than 75 percent of US spotted fever cases, and among the states with the highest rates of alpha-gal antibodies, a sign of the tick-linked red-meat allergy. Lone star ticks, common across the South, also spread ehrlichiosis. Anyone who hikes, hunts, farms or does yard work is exposed.

SourcesPress Kit — Understanding Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases (CDC)About Alpha-gal Syndrome (CDC)Where Ticks Live (CDC)
Check for ticksAs neededAfter time in grass or woods, check your whole body, shower within two hours and dry your clothes on high heat. Use insect repellentAs neededUse an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin when mosquitoes or ticks are around.
02

Humid summer heat

Hot, humid air keeps sweat from evaporating, so your body has a harder time cooling off. On high heat-index days, heat exhaustion can set in during ordinary outdoor work.

SourcesHeat Index (National Weather Service)About Heat and Your Health (CDC)
Stay safe in the heatAs neededOn hot days, drink water often, take breaks in the shade and plan hard work for the cooler parts of the day. Rehydrate when you sweatAs neededDrink regularly during hot work or long workouts, and add electrolytes when you sweat for more than two hours. Drink water through the dayDailyKeep a water bottle within reach and sip through the day instead of waiting until you are thirsty.
03

Strong sun

UV runs high in the South from spring through early fall, and it reflects off lakes and rivers. Time on the water or in the field adds up to skin damage over the years.

SourcesSun Safety Monthly Average UV Index (US EPA)Sun Safety (CDC)
Wear sunscreen every dayDailyPut broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin each morning and reapply every two hours outdoors. Wear sun-protective clothingAs neededCover up with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses and tightly woven long sleeves when you are out in the sun. Check your skin for changesAs neededLook over your whole body on a regular schedule for new spots or moles that change, itch or bleed.

When to see a professional

See a doctor right away for fever, headache or rash within two weeks of a tick bite. Hives, swelling or stomach upset two to six hours after eating red meat is worth asking a doctor about alpha-gal.