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Tick-Borne Diseases |
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What are tick-borne diseases? Tick-borne diseases are a group of illnesses that people can contract from tick bites. They occur in all areas of the United States and affect people of all ages, although they are more common in the spring and summer months when outdoor activities are also more common. Some of the tick-borne diseases in the US are Tularemia ("rabbit or deer fever"), Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Arkansas has more cases of Tularemia and Ehrlichiosis than the other types of tick-borne illnesses. Who gets tick-borne diseases? Those who spend time in areas where tick bites are common, whether for work or recreation, are at higher risks, as well as people with pets. Ticks usually wait near the top of grassy plants and low bushes for people or animals to brush against their perch. Ticks will often crawl upward on people's clothes or bodies for up to several hours or more before attaching to the skin. How would I know if I have a tick-borne disease? Typically, the symptoms are "flu-like" with fever, chills and sweats, muscle and body aches. Some people may develop a rash. If you have a rash that looks like a "bulls eye" (red ring with paler skin and a red center) or a rash that starts on your legs or arms and moves upward, see a doctor as soon as possible. You may not have detected being bitten or remember finding a tick on you. How are tick-borne diseases treated? Since most tick-borne diseases are caused by different types of bacteria, they may need to be treated with an antibiotic. It is best to see your Physician as quickly as you can to determine proper treatment. How can I prevent tick-borne diseases? The best prevention is to avoid tick bites. When outdoors, take the following precaustions: - Use tick repellents properly by following the instructions. Tick repellents containing DEET, such as OFF or Repel, can be applied directly to the skin or clothing, including shoes or boots, before going into tick infested areas. - Wear shirts and clothing with lighter colors rather than dark colors so ticks can be more easily spotted if they get on your clothing. Wear long sleeves and long pants (even in summer.) Check your clothing and body frequently for ticks, especially upon returning home. - Remove any ticks as soon as possible. To remove an attached tick, use fine tweezers or grab the tick firmly by the head or as close to the head as possible, use firm steady pressure with a sustained pull. Avoid twisting, tugging, or jerking. Steady firm pressure will cause the tick to "tire out" and let go. DO NOT use heat, burned matches, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other methods to try to get the tick to "back out." - When cleaning and preparing wild game, especially deer and rabbits, wear gloves and check the animals closely for ticks. - If you have pets, whether indoor or outdoor pets, treat them with tick prevention medications available from your veterinarian or over-the-counter. For more information on tick-borne diseases see: Centers for Disease Control SAMA - The Right Choice in HealthCare |
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