Most people are aware of the threat of Lyme Disease that ticks can spread, but there are other tick-borne illnesses that can be carried and transmitted by these pesky bugs as well. In addition to Lyme Disease, here are some of the more common infections that can be caused by a tick bite:
Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) – This bacterial infection is commonly caused by the bite of ticks of the Ornithodoros species, and is most prevalent in western states. These pests typically feed at night and their bites are painless and short-lasting, making them hard to detect. People who are infected will exhibit recurring fevers, headaches, muscles and joint pain, chills, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms will last for 3-4 days, subside for 4-14 days and then reoccur, but a week-long dose of antibiotics can help stop this sickness once and for all.
Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME) – Caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis, this disease is most commonly contracted through a bite from a Lone Star Tick. Though this tick species was once of little concern to the northeastern area, it has recently expanded its habitat to include New Jersey, New York and New England. Individuals who are infected by this disease will experience fever, headache, chills, malaise, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as confusion and conjunctival injection (red eyes). Sixty-percent of infected children and less than 30-percent of infected adults adults will also develop a rash. Though HME is easily curable with antibiotics it can be lethal if left unattended to.
Human Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (HGA) – Often confused with HME thanks to it’s previous name – Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis (HGE) – this tick-borne illness is characteristic of causing fever, severe headache, muscle aches and chills. Symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, aching joints, weakness, fatigue, and confusion or memory loss. Most severe in aging or immune-compromised patients, this disease is brought on by the bite of blacklegged ticks which are concentrated in the northeast and upper midwest.
Babesiosis – Caused by the protozoan parasite Babesia microti, this illness infects red blood cells and can lead to severe cases of anemia. Like HGA, Babesioisis is transmitted by the blacklegged tick. Though not always present, especially in younger victims, symptoms will resemble those of the flu and some patients may develop an enlarged spleen or liver and jaundice.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from contracting a tick-borne disease is by proper prevention. Always use bug repellent when venturing out into thick grasses or wooded areas, and consider hiring a professional to apply tick preventative to your landscape.
If you live in the New England area and are worried about ticks, just give us a call at 888-649-9919. Pest Control Unlimited offers an organic tick control program, designed to minimize your family’s exposure to ticks and the harmful diseases they carry.
To learn more about our tick prevention program, click here or call 888-649-9919.
