Tick-borne disease (patient information): Difference between revisions
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{{Tick-borne disease (patient information)}} | {{Tick-borne disease (patient information)}} | ||
{{CMG}} | {{CMG}} | ||
==Overview== | |||
== Overview == | |||
Tick-borne diseases are [[diseases]] or [[illnesses]] transmitted by ticks. Hard- and soft-bodied female ticks are believed to make a [[poison]] that can cause [[tick paralysis]] in children. | Tick-borne diseases are [[diseases]] or [[illnesses]] transmitted by ticks. Hard- and soft-bodied female ticks are believed to make a [[poison]] that can cause [[tick paralysis]] in children. | ||
While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry [[bacteria]] that can cause: | While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry [[bacteria]] that can cause: | ||
==What are the symptoms of Tick-borne disease?== | * [[Colorado tick fever]] | ||
* [[Lyme disease]] | |||
* [[Rocky Mountain spotted fever]] | |||
* [[Tularemia]] | |||
== What are the symptoms of Tick-borne disease? == | |||
Watch for the symptoms of [[tick-borne disease]] in the weeks following a [[tick bite]] -- muscle or [[joint aches]], [[stiff neck]], [[headache]], [[weakness]], [[fever]], [[swollen lymph nodes]], and other flu-like symptoms. Watch for a red spot or [[rash]] starting at the location of the bite. | Watch for the symptoms of [[tick-borne disease]] in the weeks following a [[tick bite]] -- muscle or [[joint aches]], [[stiff neck]], [[headache]], [[weakness]], [[fever]], [[swollen lymph nodes]], and other flu-like symptoms. Watch for a red spot or [[rash]] starting at the location of the bite. | ||
The symptoms below refer more to the problems resulting from the bite itself, not the diseases that a bite may cause. Some of the symptoms are specific to one variety of tick or another but not necessarily common to all ticks. | The symptoms below refer more to the problems resulting from the bite itself, not the diseases that a bite may cause. Some of the symptoms are specific to one variety of tick or another but not necessarily common to all ticks. | ||
==What causes Tick-borne disease?== | * [[Apnea]] (breathing stopped) | ||
* [[Blisters]] | |||
* [[Difficulty breathing]] | |||
* [[Rash]] | |||
* Severe [[pain]] at bite site (some varieties), lasting for several weeks | |||
* [[Swelling]] at bite site (some varieties) | |||
* [[Weakness]] | |||
* Uncoordinated movement | |||
== What causes Tick-borne disease? == | |||
While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry [[bacteria]] that can cause: | While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry [[bacteria]] that can cause: | ||
==Who is at highest risk?== | * [[Colorado tick fever]] | ||
* [[Lyme disease]] | |||
* [[Rocky Mountain spotted fever]] | |||
* [[Tularemia]] | |||
== Who is at highest risk? == | |||
People who spend time outdoors and/or have pets that go outdoors are at risk for tick-borne disease. | People who spend time outdoors and/or have pets that go outdoors are at risk for tick-borne disease. | ||
==Diagnosis== | == Diagnosis == | ||
A round red rash with a 2-5 mm central black area (eschar, an area of dead tissue) as shown in the photo is suggestive of a tick bite. | A round red rash with a 2-5 mm central black area (eschar, an area of dead tissue) as shown in the photo is suggestive of a tick bite. | ||
==Prevention of Tick-borne disease== | == Prevention of Tick-borne disease == | ||
Avoid places where ticks reside. Ticks live in wooded or grassy fields. | Avoid places where ticks reside. Ticks live in wooded or grassy fields. | ||
==Treatment options== | == Treatment options == | ||
Remove the tick. Be careful not to leave the tick's head stuck in the skin. If there is a collection of [[pus]], the area will need to be incised and drained. [[Antibiotic]] [[treatment]] is often justified based on clinical presentation alone. [[Doxycycline]] is often used to treat suspected [[tick-borne disease]]. Usually one [[dose]] is given to cover [[Lyme disease]]. An [[IV]] [[dose]] of a [[cephalosporin]] followed by [[Keflex]] 500 mg PO q 6 hours is given to treat the surrounding [[cellulitis]]. For hospital workers and others who have recently been in the hospital, [[bactrim]] twice a day is given to cover [[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]] ([[MRSA]]). | Remove the tick. Be careful not to leave the tick's head stuck in the skin. If there is a collection of [[pus]], the area will need to be incised and drained. [[Antibiotic]] [[treatment]] is often justified based on clinical presentation alone. [[Doxycycline]] is often used to treat suspected [[tick-borne disease]]. Usually one [[dose]] is given to cover [[Lyme disease]]. An [[IV]] [[dose]] of a [[cephalosporin]] followed by [[Keflex]] 500 mg PO q 6 hours is given to treat the surrounding [[cellulitis]]. For hospital workers and others who have recently been in the hospital, [[bactrim]] twice a day is given to cover [[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]] ([[MRSA]]). | ||
==Where to find medical care for Tick-borne disease?== | == Where to find medical care for Tick-borne disease? == | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Tick-borne disease}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Tick-borne disease] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Tick-borne disease}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Tick-borne disease] | ||
== When to seek urgent medical care? == | |||
If you have symptoms of Tick-borne disease contact health care professional. The symptoms will be treated as appropriate. Long-term treatment may be needed if complications develop. Preventive [[antibiotics]] are often given to people who live in areas where [[Lyme disease]] is common. | If you have symptoms of Tick-borne disease contact health care professional. The symptoms will be treated as appropriate. Long-term treatment may be needed if complications develop. Preventive [[antibiotics]] are often given to people who live in areas where [[Lyme disease]] is common. | ||
==What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)== | == What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis) == | ||
Most [[tick bites]] are harmless. The outcome will depend on what type of [[infection]] the tick may have been carrying and how soon appropriate treatment was begun. | Most [[tick bites]] are harmless. The outcome will depend on what type of [[infection]] the tick may have been carrying and how soon appropriate treatment was begun. | ||
==Where to find medical care for Tick-borne disease?== | == Where to find medical care for Tick-borne disease? == | ||
[http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Tick-borne disease}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Tick-borne disease] | [http://maps.google.com/maps?q={{urlencode:{{#if:{{{1|}}}|{{{1}}}|map+top+hospital+Tick-borne disease}}}}&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl Directions to Hospitals Treating Tick-borne disease] | ||
==Possible complications== | == Possible complications == | ||
Complications like abscess and spread if infection to whole body via blood can occur | Complications like abscess and spread if infection to whole body via blood can occur | ||
==Sources== | == Sources == | ||
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002856.htm | http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002856.htm | ||
{{WH}} | {{WH}} | ||
{{WS}} | {{WS}} | ||
[[Category:Patient information]] | [[Category:Patient information]] | ||
[[Category:Lyme disease]] | [[Category:Lyme disease]] | ||
[[Category:Zoonoses]] | [[Category:Zoonoses]] | ||
Revision as of 19:44, 14 December 2012
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Tick-borne disease |
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Tick-borne disease On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tick-borne diseases are diseases or illnesses transmitted by ticks. Hard- and soft-bodied female ticks are believed to make a poison that can cause tick paralysis in children. While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry bacteria that can cause:
What are the symptoms of Tick-borne disease?
Watch for the symptoms of tick-borne disease in the weeks following a tick bite -- muscle or joint aches, stiff neck, headache, weakness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms. Watch for a red spot or rash starting at the location of the bite. The symptoms below refer more to the problems resulting from the bite itself, not the diseases that a bite may cause. Some of the symptoms are specific to one variety of tick or another but not necessarily common to all ticks.
- Apnea (breathing stopped)
- Blisters
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash
- Severe pain at bite site (some varieties), lasting for several weeks
- Swelling at bite site (some varieties)
- Weakness
- Uncoordinated movement
What causes Tick-borne disease?
While most ticks do not carry diseases, some ticks can carry bacteria that can cause:
Who is at highest risk?
People who spend time outdoors and/or have pets that go outdoors are at risk for tick-borne disease.
Diagnosis
A round red rash with a 2-5 mm central black area (eschar, an area of dead tissue) as shown in the photo is suggestive of a tick bite.
Prevention of Tick-borne disease
Avoid places where ticks reside. Ticks live in wooded or grassy fields.
Treatment options
Remove the tick. Be careful not to leave the tick's head stuck in the skin. If there is a collection of pus, the area will need to be incised and drained. Antibiotic treatment is often justified based on clinical presentation alone. Doxycycline is often used to treat suspected tick-borne disease. Usually one dose is given to cover Lyme disease. An IV dose of a cephalosporin followed by Keflex 500 mg PO q 6 hours is given to treat the surrounding cellulitis. For hospital workers and others who have recently been in the hospital, bactrim twice a day is given to cover Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Where to find medical care for Tick-borne disease?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tick-borne disease
When to seek urgent medical care?
If you have symptoms of Tick-borne disease contact health care professional. The symptoms will be treated as appropriate. Long-term treatment may be needed if complications develop. Preventive antibiotics are often given to people who live in areas where Lyme disease is common.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Most tick bites are harmless. The outcome will depend on what type of infection the tick may have been carrying and how soon appropriate treatment was begun.
Where to find medical care for Tick-borne disease?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tick-borne disease
Possible complications
Complications like abscess and spread if infection to whole body via blood can occur