Lone Star TickThe lone star tick is becoming a big problem in Massachusetts, especially on Cape Cod and the islands like Martha's Vineyard. White SpotFirst, what do lone star ticks look like? Lone star ticks don't carry Lyme disease, but they can give you ehrlichiosis, which causes fever, headache, and muscle aches. In Massachusetts, more people are going to hospitals with tick bites this year, and lone star ticks are part of that rise. Yes, lone star ticks can still be out, especially in warm weather.