Colorado is home to nearly 30 species of ticks, many capable of transmitting germs that cause illness in people, pets and wildlife.
Why Should Coloradans be Aware of Ticks?
Travel regionally within the US or globally can increase human and pet exposure to different tick species and diseases.
Closer proximity to wildlife and tick habitat increases exposure potential for humans and pets to ticks and tick-borne diseases.
Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease found throughout the US!
The vast beauty and bountiful outdoor experiences offered in Colorado are enjoyed by locals and brings many visitors to our state.
Too many residents struggle with access to timely and accurate diagnosis, and adequate and affordable care.
Education and prevention is critical to avoiding Lyme and other tick-borne diseases no matter where you live, work, recreate or travel.
Recent legislation, partnerships and strategies to advance the fight against Lyme and other tick-borne diseases have taken place.
Community Partners help provide the resources we need year round to help others through our education, prevention, awareness, and advocacy programs, as well as patient support groups!
Quick Links
Prevention!
Symptom Checklist
Lyme Disease Symptom Checklist
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Podcast
Monica White, on her years long struggle with Lyme disease and her advocacy as founder of the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association
Learn more at wearechaffee.org
(Podcast Publication Date: 4.4.23)
Overview: In this episode of the We Are Chaffee: Looking Upstream podcast, host Adam Williams talks with Monica White, founder of the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association.
Monica enjoyed a career as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Forest Service for a number of years, and then experienced a life-changing illness that took years just to get support for diagnosis, let alone treatment. It’s her path with Lyme disease, and that of her husband and their two children getting sick with it, as well, that inspired her to become an advocate in the field of tick-borne diseases.
In this conversation, Monica talks about the brutal shift, physically, mentally and emotionally, from an active, adventurous outdoor life to one of years long, ongoing isolation and grief, for her and her family.
She talks about why it was so extraordinarily difficult to get the medical community’s support in her diagnosis, and why Lyme disease continues to be such a challenging illness, in general, to get treatment for.
one little bite
COTBDAA President, Monica White shares her personal story of chronic Lyme disease, determination, and resilience.
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Outdoor Activity Tick Prevention Choices
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
AWARENESS
Know your risk and learn the signs and symptoms of disease no matter where you live, work, play or travel.
CLOTHING & GEAR
Dress for prevention. Wear permethrin treated clothing and treat your boots and gear too!
REPELLENTS
Use EPA approved repellents on skin. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention for pets.
TICK CHECK
Check for ticks frequently when spending time in the outdoors, and when you return to your vehicle or home. Check your pets too!
News
Colorado Tick Talks
Provide your outdoor employees, education groups and students with a Colorado Tick Talk! Learn how to protect yourself from tick-borne disease!
Citizen Science
Want to participate in furthering our knowledge of ticks and the diseases they may carry? Participate in the many research programs for tick and disease surveillance!