LoneStarMapSource library
Sources & credibility
LoneStarMap is informed by public-health agencies, university extension programs, and peer-reviewed research. Every factual claim on the site is tied to a source in this library. Always refer to current guidance from public health agencies and licensed medical professionals.
How we use sources
- We don't make medical claims without a source attached in our content.
- External links open in a new tab with
rel="noopener noreferrer". - Each guide and state page lists the sources it relied on.
- Last reviewed: June 2026. We refresh links and guidance periodically.
CDC — Tick surveillance
- Surveillance and Control of TicksCDC
Background on how tick presence is tracked across the United States.
- Where Ticks LiveCDC
The Lone Star tick is widely distributed in the Northeast, South, and Midwest U.S.
- Lone Star Tick SurveillanceCDC
County-level established vs. reported records. 'Established' = 6+ ticks or multiple life stages collected in 12 months.
CDC — Alpha-gal syndrome
- Alpha-gal SyndromeCDC
What alpha-gal syndrome is, symptoms, and its association with tick bites.
- Diagnosis and Testing for Alpha-gal SyndromeCDC
Diagnosis is made by a licensed clinician; testing decisions are clinical.
- Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases — U.S., 2017–2022 (MMWR)CDC / MMWR
Highest suspected-AGS prevalence across a contiguous southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic region; most cases align with the established Lone Star tick range.
CDC — Tickborne diseases
- EhrlichiosisCDC
Bacterial illness transmitted primarily by the Lone Star tick; treatable with prompt antibiotics.
- Heartland VirusCDC
Rare virus associated with Lone Star tick bites; no specific antiviral treatment.
- Bourbon VirusCDC
Rare tickborne virus first identified in the U.S. in 2014; supportive care only.
- TularemiaCDC
Bacterial illness that can be spread by tick bites (including the Lone Star tick) and other routes.
- Tickborne Diseases of the United States (STARI)CDC
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) follows some Lone Star tick bites; cause not established and it is not Lyme disease.
- Lyme DiseaseCDC
Spread by blacklegged (deer) ticks — NOT the Lone Star tick. Early sign is often an expanding erythema migrans rash.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)CDC
Spread by American dog, Rocky Mountain wood, and brown dog ticks. Most US cases are in South-Central states; can be fatal without prompt doxycycline.
- AnaplasmosisCDC
Spread by blacklegged and western blacklegged ticks; treatable with prompt antibiotics.
- BabesiosisCDC
A parasitic infection of red blood cells spread mainly by the blacklegged tick, concentrated in the Northeast and upper Midwest.
- Powassan VirusCDC
A rare but serious virus spread by blacklegged ticks; can be transmitted within hours and has no specific treatment.
CDC — Tick prevention
- Tick RemovalCDC
Step-by-step guidance for removing an attached tick.
EPA — Repellents
- Find the Repellent That Is Right for YouEPA
Search tool for EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
- Repellent-Treated ClothingEPA
Guidance on permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
State health departments
- State & Local Health DepartmentsDirectory
Find your state or local health department for region-specific guidance.
University extensions
- TickEncounter Resource CenterUniversity of Rhode Island
Tick identification, prevention, and reporting resources.
- Lone Star Tick & Alpha-gal — Extension ResourcesUniversity Extension (regional)
State and university extension programs publish regional tick guidance.
Peer-reviewed research
- Alpha-gal Syndrome: A Review (peer-reviewed literature)PubMed / NCBI
Peer-reviewed research on alpha-gal syndrome and tick associations.
- Current and Future Distribution of the Lone Star Tick in North AmericaRaghavan et al., PLOS ONE (2019)
Ecological niche modeling of Amblyomma americanum range and projected northward expansion.