The Tickborne Heartland Virus is showing up in Illinois, and State Public Health Officials warn that ticks are still a problem this time of year. The Heartland Virus has only been in the U.S. since 2009. And, just one case of infection–A Kankakee resident–has turned up so far in Illinois says State Veterinarian Dr. Connie Austin.
Symptoms for Heartland are similar to that of other tickborne illnesses and include fever, headaches, fatigue and diarrhea. Aust says you should wear long sleeves and pants and wear insect repellent when out in the woods or tall grasses to help prevent tick bites.