Health Department
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Health Department |
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TICKS |
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Ticks are major carriers of disease in North Carolina. Diseases commonly thought of associated with ticks are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever Rocky Mountain spotted fever is very common in North Carolina. It is spread to humans through the bite of an American dog tick. It cannot be spread from person to person. Symptoms may occur within two weeks. Symptoms may include chills, fever, headache, pains in joints, and a rash. The rash may appear as spots. People with Rocky mountain spotted fever may become confused. In severe case, people can go into a coma. Death can occur without proper early treatment. Ehrlichiosis Ehrlichiosis is common in North Carolina. It causes an illness very similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but usually without the spots. The incubation period is usually 1 to 3 weeks. Symptoms are very similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever - headache, chills, fever, nauseas, vomiting, weight loss, and rash. In severe cases without proper early treatment, death can result.
Lyme disease Lyme disease is not very common in North Carolina. It is spread by the deer tick. Symptoms may show up 1-4 weeks after a tick bite. Symptoms may include a rash, headache, fever, muscle aches, tiredness, and other flu-like symptoms. Problems may occur in the nervous or cardiac systems if treatment is not accessed. Long term problems can result in arthritis. Treatment Antibiotics are used to treat tick diseases. The earlier tick diseases are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat. Prevention The first thing is to avoid tick-infested areas like the woods and heavy brush. If that is not possible, wear protective clothing, such as high boots, long sleeves, and long pants. Shirts should be tucked into pants and pant legs should be tucked into boots or socks. Use a repellant. After being outside, check yourself and your family for ticks including the scalp and behind one’s ears. Dogs and cats may bring ticks into the house, so they should be checked too. Tick
Removal It is important to remember that not all ticks carry disease. However, they should be removed carefully and as soon as possible. Tick removal steps: 2. Grasp the tick’s mouthparts and slowly pull straight back when removing the tick. 3. DO NOT twist or jerk because this may leave the mouthparts in the skin, which could cause infection. 4. The use of Vaseline, fingernail polish, kerosene or a hot match will not dislodge an attached tick. 5. Wash your hands with soap and water after removing or touching a tick. (Fluids from the tick can transmit diseases.) 6. Wash the area of the tick bite with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic to the area. 7. Save the tick in a jar with some alcohol or keep it in the freezer for a month. 8. Note the day of the tick bite in case there are signs of disease.
For
more information, contact the Stanly County Health Department
(Source: N.C. Department of Health and Human Services)
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This page was last updated on 11/06/07 |
