Your Body Almanac

Virginia

Where Lyme ticks and lone star ticks overlap, plus radon in the west.

Virginia sits where northern and southern tick problems meet: it is a high-incidence Lyme state and also one of the top states for spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome. Much of the state, especially the west, is rated high for radon.

01

Ticks and Lyme disease

Virginia is one of the states CDC classifies as high-incidence for Lyme disease. Blacklegged ticks live in woods, tall grass and leaf litter. Untreated Lyme can affect joints, the heart and nerves.

SourcesAbout Lyme Disease (CDC)Surveillance for Lyme Disease After Implementation of a Revised Case Definition — United States, 2022 (CDC MMWR)
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

Spotted fever and alpha-gal from other ticks

Virginia is one of seven states that account for more than three-quarters of US spotted fever cases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be deadly if not treated early. It is also one of five states with the highest rates of alpha-gal antibodies. Alpha-gal syndrome, linked to lone star tick bites, is an allergy to red meat and other mammal products.

SourcesUnderstanding Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases — press kit (CDC)About Alpha-gal Syndrome (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.
03

High radon in many areas

Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that seeps from soil into homes and is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who don't smoke. Virginia's health department says 46 counties and 15 cities are in Zone 1, the highest-risk category. Testing is the only way to know your home's level.

SourcesIndoor Radon Program (Virginia Department of Health)Health risk of radon (EPA)
Test your home for radonAs neededRadon is invisible and odorless, so a simple test is the only way to know your level. Fix it at 4 pCi/L or higher.

When to see a professional

See a doctor quickly for fever, headache or rash after a tick bite, and for an expanding rash, facial droop or joint swelling in the weeks after. See an allergist for hives, stomach pain or swelling hours after eating red meat.