Well, that settles it...or does it?

"The incidence, however, is higher for adults in early winter during rabbit hunting season and for children during the summer when ticks and deer flies are abundant."

You would expect the incidence to be higher when people are eating more rabbit; i.e: during rabbit season. The question for survival purposes is: when can you reasonably expect a higher rate of infection? I think that is at the height of tick season--spring and summer (the non-"R" months.) You are much more likely to be bitten by an infected tick, or eat an infected animal, during this time than during the winter. In January, the ticks are all dead--at least where I am at.

Cook your meat thoroughly, wash your hands, and use Deet repellant.

And carry antibiotics. Year-round.

Regards, Vince