TICK-BORNE DISEASES & HOW TO PREVENT them
There are several known tick-borne diseases that range in severity and symptoms:
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are two closely related diseases (caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia, respectively) that are also transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick (a blacklegged or deer tick, in the case of anaplasmosis, or a lone star tick, in the case of ehrlichiosis).
Babesiosis is a parasite that infects red blood cells, causing malaria-like symptoms. In addition to transmission via tick, babesiosis can be transmitted from mother to unborn child or through a contaminated blood transfusion.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or RMSF, is a potentially fatal tick-borne bacterial disease that can be transmitted by the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick.
Powassan virus is a rare, potentially serious infection transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick. It’s spread by groundhog ticks, squirrel ticks, and blacklegged or deer ticks, which primarily inhabit the northeast and upper Midwest of the United States. People infected with Powassan virus cannot spread it to others, though it may be transmitted through blood transfusions involving blood donated by an infected individual.
Source: Yale Medicine
Tick Bite Prevention
- Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or on animals. Spending time outside walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting could bring you in close contact with ticks. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
- Use a proven tick repellent like Attack Tick ® . Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents.
- Treat dogs and cats for ticks as recommended by a veterinarian.
- Check for ticks daily, especially under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and on the hairline and scalp.
- Shower soon after being outdoors.
TICK IDENTIFICATION
Common Types of Ticks
Comparison of Tick Sizes