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Monday, June 22, 2026
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As 2026 brings record tick season, here's what can help
In the United States, ticks are responsible for more human disease than any other insect. Tickborne diseases are also known as zoonotic diseases. A zoonotic disease is an infectious disease that can be transmitted between animals and humans. Ticks are very effective transmitters of disease because most ticks take blood from a large variety of small and large mammals, reptiles and even birds. In general, ticks must ingest a blood meal before they can molt and move to the next stage in their life cycle. Ticks become infected with a disease-causing agent by feeding on infected mammals or birds. For example, a tick can pick up Lyme disease from a field mouse, and later in its life transmit bacteria to a deer, dog or human.
Many tickborne diseases have been reported in Missouri: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, Lyme or a lyme-like disease and the southern tick-associated rash illness.
Tickborne diseases are a type of emerging disease, many of them first recognized in the last 30 years. Human case numbers per year for tickborne diseases are generally on the rise. This upward trend is due to better recognition and disease reporting, but is also a reflection of changes in the environment that fosters increased exposure and transmission to humans. Fortunately, not all ticks are infected, so a tick bite does not necessarily mean you will get a disease. More importantly, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) wants people to know that when they take precautions, they can reduce their chance of being bitten.
Tick bites can also lead to an allergic condition called Alpha-Gal Syndrome. When a tick bites you, it can put a tiny molecule called alpha-gal into your body. Some people’s immune systems react to this molecule and make antibodies. This can cause allergic reactions when they eat red meat or other foods from mammals like cows or pigs.
Tickborne Disease Prevention
Understanding a little about tick behavior can give some clues on how to avoid being bitten. For example, one tried-and-true prevention measure is to walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging brush and tall grass. This is effective because of the way some ticks seek a host, which is called "questing." A questing tick will perch itself, front legs extended, on the stems of grass, low brush or on the edges of leaves on the ground. Using this ambush strategy, the tick waits until a suitable host brushes against the vegetation. Ticks do not jump, fall or fly and are generally found within three feet of the ground.
Carbon dioxide, which is exhaled while breathing, as well as heat and movement serve as stimuli for tick questing behavior. Using an insect repellent that contains DEET on your skin protects you because it interferes with ticks' ability to locate you. Another repellant called permethrin, which is used on clothing, actually kills ticks (as well as mosquitoes and chiggers). Permethrin products are designed to bind with fabric and persist through launderings when used according to label directions.
Once on a host, the tick seeks a place to attach and take a blood meal. Ticks attach on people in many places, but are most frequently found around the head, neck, underarms, and groin. Light-colored clothing helps you spot ticks more easily and tucking or even taping your pant legs into your socks helps slow them down in their quest for your skin. Prompt, careful inspection and removal of ticks is an important method of preventing disease.
If you find an attached tick, it should be removed promptly. The longer it is attached the greater the risk of infection. There are many "old wives tales" about how to remove a tick. However, to reduce the chance of disease transmission correctly using tweezers or commercial tick removal tools is preferred. The key to using tweezers correctly is to position the tips of tweezers around the area where the tick's mouthparts enter the skin. Then use a slow, steady motion when pulling the tick a way from the skin. After removing the tick, disinfect the skin with soap and water, or other available disinfectants.
DHSS has prepared a fact sheet for each of the most common tickborne diseases in Missouri:Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Ehrlichiosis
Tularemia
Heartland and Bourbon viruses
Lyme/Lyme-like disease
If you want information on how to be careful and still enjoy the outdoors, check out the DHSS checklist of tick-bite prevention techniques and download or order a copy of the DHSS Check, Check, Check for Ticks information card.
Signs and Symptoms of Tickborne Disease
The signs and symptoms of tickborne disease vary among individuals and differ according to the infecting agent. In general, a person should consider consulting a health care provider whenever he or she experiences a sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle or joint aches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If these symptoms occur following a tick bite, or even after exposure to a tick habitat, the health care provider should be informed of this fact. Another possible sign of tickborne disease is a rash or pus-filled wound that appears at the site of a tick bite, or a spreading rash that follows a tick bite or exposure to tick habitat.
Reporting Tickborne Disease
Most tickborne diseases, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Lyme or a lyme-like disease are reportable in Missouri. Reporting helps DHSS monitor disease trends, track unusual occurrences or clusters of diseases and identify possible risk factors associated with diseases. If you want to know more about reporting diseases and conditions in Missouri, the DHSS Reportable Disease List and the Communicable Disease Investigation Reference Manual are available on the DHSS website.
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Update regarding injuries during last night's Butler Saddle Club rodeo
We are incredibly grateful for the quick response of our emergency personnel, BCMH Ambulance Service, and everyone who assisted during the situation. Our thoughts and prayers have been with the young man, his family, and friends since the incident occurred.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern and support. We ask that you continue to keep him and his family in your thoughts as he recovers.
-Butler Saddle Club
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Two arrests made following burglary investigation in Vernon county
All subjects are innocent until proven guilty.
Burlingame, David:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Burglary 2nd Degree
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Unlawful Use of Weapon
$25,000 cash only bond
Byram, Dakota:
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Burglary 2nd Degree
Possession of a Controlled Substance
Unlawful Use of Weapon
$25,000 cash only bond
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Don’t Wait on Joint Replacement: Hip Surgery Recovery at BCMH
“I Could Hardly Walk”: Jerl Leonard’s Hip Replacement Story
Jerl Leonard, 87, spent months struggling with hip pain that radiated into his back and made walking increasingly difficult. After trying other options without relief, his daughter suggested he see Dr. Jon Blake, orthopedic surgeon at Bates County Memorial Hospital.
The photos shown here were taken just a few weeks after Jerl’s hip replacement surgery at BCMH.
For Jerl, recovery has progressed steadily.
“Before surgery, I could hardly walk. Now, I have very little pain, and I’m getting around really well. I hope anyone else who needs it will get it done,” Jerl said.
After surgery, he experienced only a few days of soreness before the pain began to ease. Once his staples were removed and healing was confirmed, he continued building strength through home health visits and physical therapy.
“I still use a walker for now, but I’m working on stairs with my therapist,” he says. “Within a few weeks, I may be able to move around without it.”
Dr. Blake notes that Jerl’s experience reflects what many patients hope for.
“Most patients experience significant arthritic pain relief soon after surgery,” he says. “With home health and physical therapy, they gradually regain strength and independence.”
At the same time, Dr. Blake emphasizes that healing continues even after pain improves.
“Sometimes patients feel so much better right away that they assume they’re fully healed,” he explains. “Even when pain is gone, the body is still repairing tissue and adapting to the new joint. Following post operative guidelines closely is critical to protect that progress and ensure long term success.”
Jerl’s recommendation, after surgery?
“It’s a really good idea. Go ahead and get it done.”
When to Seek Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is usually considered after conservative treatments such as medication, injections, or physical therapy are no longer enough.
Key Signs
Persistent hip or groin pain that affects walking or sleep
Difficulty climbing stairs or completing everyday tasks
Pain radiating to the back or other joints
Risks of Delaying Surgery
“Waiting too long can make recovery more difficult,” Dr. Blake explains. “Muscle weakness, decreased mobility, and additional joint stress can prolong rehabilitation.”
Hip Replacement Surgery: Approximate Recovery Timeline
Week 1–3: Walking with assistance
Week 4–6: Increasing mobility
Week 6+: Return to normal activities
Ready to Talk About Joint Replacement Surgery?
If hip or joint pain is limiting your independence or keeping you from daily activities, it may be time to explore treatment options. Schedule a consultation with the orthopedic specialty clinic at Bates County Memorial Hospital.
Contact BCMH at 660-200-7006. No referral is required.
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Recipe of the Week
Chopped Chimichurri Steak Salad
1 pound flank steak, trimmed
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as vegetable oil
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup chopped Persian cucumbers
1/2 cup drained and chopped roasted red bell peppers
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 medium avocado, cubed
Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Season steak with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add oil to the preheated skillet and carefully add the steak; cook, flipping occasionally, until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer registers 120 degrees F (48.8 degrees C), 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer steak to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil to rest for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, honey, oregano, crushed red pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl.
Toss tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted red bell pepper, and red onion with 1/2 cup of the dressing in a large serving bowl.
Slice rested steak against the grain and cut into 1-inch pieces; toss with salad and avocado. Drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup dressing before serving.
Per serving: 458 calories; 37g fat; 11g carbs; 23g protein
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