Tick Borne Disease

Backpackers beware! Tick borne disease is a risk taken during outdoor activities. Tick borne diseases are bacterial and can be treated with antibiotics.

A few simple measures provide protection but can not eliminate all risk.

• Wear light colored clothing, long sleeves and pants tucked into boots.
• Deet can be applied directly to the skin.  Lasts 3-4 hours.
• Permethrin based products can be applied to clothing and boots.  Protection lasts several days.  Recommendation is from the CDC (Centers For Disease Control), however I do not recommend its use.  The decision is yours, but I caution you the side effects are serious.
• At least once a day check all parts of the body for ticks;  in children especially, check their hair.

In Lyme disease, infection rarely occurs before the tick has been attached 36 hours.

Removal of ticks:

1. Wash hands.  Take a clean pair of fine tipped tweezers, grasp the body.

2. Pull straight up.  No twisting.  If part of the tick remains, remove with tweezers.  Save for identification, if you choose.  Wash hands.

3.  Do not squash, crush or puncture the tick body, as disease can be present in the fluids.

4. Cleanse area with iodine, alcohol or just plain soap and water.

Relax, chances are the tick was not infected.

If symptoms are present seek the care of a medical professional.

Since the disease is bacterial, antibiotics will probably be prescribed.

Symptoms:

fever

headache

fatigue

skin rash

Symptoms may appear within hours or take days.  In some cases symptoms may not appear, or appear so long after the bite that it does not seem to be relevant or is simply forgotten when you go to the doctor.   Be sure the professional knows you suffered a tick bite, let them decide if it is relevant.

This information is provided for informational purposes only.  It is not a replacement for treatment or diagnosis from a trained medical professional.

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