RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN (WGNS) - Tick season has arrived in Rutherford County, and health officials say this summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest in years. Emergency rooms across Tennessee are reporting a surge in tick‑bite visits, and doctors are seeing more cases of illnesses like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis and even the strange meat allergy known as alpha‑gal syndrome.

Locals who grew up in the 50s, 60s and 70s often say they don’t remember ticks being such a problem. Back then, a tick bite was mostly a nuisance. Today, a single bite can lead to weeks of fever and fatigue—or in some cases, a lifelong allergy to beef, pork or lamb. The CDC confirms that alpha‑gal syndrome is triggered by the Lone Star tick, which is now widespread across Tennessee. Some people become so sensitive they have to carry an EpiPen in case of a sudden allergic reaction hours after eating red meat.

One Murfreesboro resident learned the hard way. After feeling “COVID‑tired” for days, he went to a walk‑in clinic and was diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Bloodwork later confirmed it. He spent nine days battling fever, exhaustion and misery. Doctors say that story is becoming more common as tick activity increases.

Ticks thrive in warm, humid weather, and Tennessee’s mild winters aren’t killing them off like they used to. More deer, more brushy areas and more outdoor pets also mean more opportunities for ticks to hitch a ride. Dogs and cats can bring ticks inside, but simply walking through tall grass or wooded areas is enough to pick one up.

The CDC urges people to take simple precautions: use repellents like DEET or picaridin, treat clothing with permethrin, stay on trails and do full‑body tick checks after being outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it right away with fine‑tipped tweezers. Don’t burn it, twist it or smother it. And if you develop fever, rash or unusual fatigue afterward, get medical care promptly.

This isn’t just a Rutherford County issue. Tick‑borne illnesses are rising across the Southeast, nationwide and even globally during warm summer days and as tick ranges expand. But here at home, with families heading to parks, lakes and campgrounds--the message is simple: be alert, check yourself and your pets, and don’t ignore symptoms. Ticks may be tiny, but the trouble they cause is anything but.