Study finds no evidence of persistent tick-borne infection in people who link chronic illness to ticks
Medical Xpress
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A recent study published in the journal *BMC Infectious Diseases* has found no objective evidence linking chronic health problems to tick bites among individuals who believe such symptoms are caused by tick-borne infections. Researchers examined Norwegians who attributed their long-term health issues to tick encounters but discovered that these symptoms could not be directly tied to ticks. Instead, the study highlighted a strong association between reported health problems and low physical activity levels, as well as limited labor force participation. These findings challenge common perceptions about the causes of chronic illnesses and emphasize the importance of considering broader lifestyle factors in such cases.
The research involved participants who believed their chronic conditions were linked to tick bites, a belief that is often prevalent in regions with high tick activity, such as Norway. Despite this belief, medical examinations revealed no signs of persistent tick
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/25/2026