TICK-BORNE DISEASESTickborne diseases are illnesses that can spread to humans or animals through the bite of an infected tick. A tick that is not removed from the attached skin may feed for several days. As the tick feeds, it fills with blood from the host and enlarges. The longer the tick is attached, the greater the chance it will pass on any disease.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is caused by an infection with a bacterium called Rickettsia rickettsii. In Ohio, rickettsiiis transmitted to humans through the bite of the infected American dog tick. They live in areas of tall grass and in clearings that have little tree cover. This species feeds on small rodents and medium-sized wild animals, as well as domestic cats and dogs.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever is one of several diseases caused by the spotted fever group rickettsia. Symptoms include: fever, nausea/ vomiting, headache, muscle pain, lack of appetite, and rash. The rash typically develops two to four days after the fever begins. The rash can look like red splotches or pinpoint dots. Permanent damage can occur in individuals that suffer from severe infections including: amputation of extremities, hearing loss, paralysis, or mental disability. Treatment regiments for the acute condition include antibiotic therapy prescribed by a physician.
Lyme disease is caused by an infection with a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. In Ohio, burgdorferiis transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Lyme disease cases are increasing in Ohio as the range of blacklegged tick populations continues to expand in the state and encounters with this tick occur more frequently, particularly in the forest habitats preferred by this tick. Most humans are infected through the bites of immature ticks calls nymphs. Nymphs are tiny (less than 2 mm) and difficult to see; they feed during the spring and summer months. Adult ticks can also transmit Lyme disease bacteria, but they are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before they have had time to transmit the bacteria. Adult blacklegged ticks are most active during the cooler months of the year.
Lyme disease is one of the several diseases caused by the blacklegged tick. Symptoms include: fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue, and erythema migrans rash (bull’s eye rash). The rash typically develops 7- 14 days after the tick bite. The rash often begins at the site of the tick bite and gradually expands. It may clear as it enlarges, giving it the appearance of a bull’s eye or target. Treatment regiments for the condition include antibiotic therapy prescribed by a physician.
Babesiosis is a disease caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells. Many different species (types) of Babesiaparasites have been found in animals, only a few of which have been found in people. Babesia microti is spread by Ixodes scapularis ticks, which are commonly called blacklegged ticks or deer ticks. The parasite typically is spread by the young nymph stage of the tick. Nymphs are mostly found during warm months (spring and summer) in areas with woods, brush, or grass.
Babesiosis is one of several diseases caused by the blacklegged tick. Symptoms include: fever, chills, headache, body aches, loss fatigue, nausea, and in severe cases hemolytic anemia. Typically, symptoms can start 7- 56 days after the initial tick bite. Treatment regiments for the condition include antibiotic therapy prescribed by a physician.
Anaplasmosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. These bacteria are spread to people by tick bites primarily from the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) and the western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus).
After the initial tick bite, symptoms of anaplasmosis begin within 1-2 weeks. Early symptoms of the illness include: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea/ vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. These signs appear around days 1-5. Late-stage symptoms can develop in individuals that are immunocompromised or delayed in the start of treatment. These symptoms are severe and include: respiratory failure, bleeding problems, organ failure, or death. Treatment regiments for the condition include antibiotic therapy prescribed by a physician.
Ehrlichiosis is the general name used to describe diseases caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis, ewingii, or E. muris eauclairensisin the United States. These bacteria are spread to people primarily through the bite of infected ticks including the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis).
After the initial tick bite, symptoms of ehrlichiosis begin within 1-2 weeks. Early symptoms of the illness include: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea/ vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, confusion, and rash.The rash will develop in 1 in 3 individuals. It appears as red splotches or pinpoint dots around 5 days after fever begins. Late stage symptoms can develop in individuals that are immunocompromised or delayed in the start of treatment. These symptoms are severe and include:meningoencephalitis, respiratory failure, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, or death. Treatment regiments for the condition include antibiotic therapy prescribed by a physician.
Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaves.
When hiking, walk in the center of trails.
Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and tuck shirts into pants to keep ticks on the outside of your clothing.
Wearing light colored clothing can help spot ticks more easily.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent labelled for use against ricks on exposed skin for protection that last several hours. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding their hands, eyes and mouth.
Shower soon after being outdoors.
Conduct a full-body tick check upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist and especially in their hair.
Examine gear and pets. Ticks may attach to clothing and pets that can then enter the home.
Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 1- minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you return from outdoors. Clothes that are damp may require additional time. Hot water is always recommended for washing.
Use fine- tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull away from your skin with steady, even pressure.
Do not twist or jerk the tick. This can cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth parts with tweezers.
Dispose of any live ticks by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
Never crush a tick with your fingers.
Wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water.
Pets can also be affected by tick bites and tickborne diseases. Vaccines are not available for most tickborne diseases for pets. Signs and symptoms can take 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite to appear. It is important to watch your pet closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that you pet have been bitten. To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to your pets:
Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
If you find a tick on your pet, remove it right away.
Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pet.
Reduce tick habitat in your yard.
ECHD provides the public the opportunity to drop off ticks for the purpose of identification. ECHD works closely with the Ohio Department of Health for this service and ticks are sent down to the zoonosis program.
If you utilize the service through ECHD, please have the completed form ready (see link below) and available when dropping off the tick.
TICK ID SUBMISSION FORM
Information provided through this service includes:
Taylor Kula
Phone: (419) 626-5623 ext. 5103
Fax: (419) 626- 8778
Email: tkula@echdohio.org
Phone: (614) 752- 1029
Fax: (614) 564-2437
Email: zoonoses@odh.ohio.gov
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