Tick-borne disease (patient information)
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Tick-borne disease |
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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 can carry bacteria that can cause:
What are the symptoms of Tick-borne disease?
Watch for the following symptoms of tick-borne disease in the weeks following a tick bite:
- Muscle or joint aches
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Weakness
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Other flu-like symptoms. Watch for a red spot or rash starting at the location of the bite.
The symptoms below refer to the problems resulting from the bite itself, not the diseases that a bite may cause. Some of the symptoms may be specific of one kind of tick:
- 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 may 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
Signs and symptoms may be different according to the kind of tick and the transmitted disease. An example of a skin rash, following tick-bite, is the bull's eye rash from Lyme disease.
Prevention of Tick-borne disease
Avoid places where ticks reside. Ticks live in wooded or grassy fields.
Treatment options
- Remove the tick carefully 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:
- Doxycycline to treat suspected tick-borne disease, such as Lyme disease
- IV dose of a cephalosporin followed by Keflex 500 mg PO q 6 hours to treat surrounding cellulitis
- Bactrim twice a day is given to cover Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospital workers
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. 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.