The Dangers & Symptoms of Tick Borne Diseases
Ticks are out and about in Alabama now that the weather is warm. These teeny tiny insects are so nondescript they can latch on without people even knowing. They are small, but they can create serious health problems in both people and pets.
Keep reading to learn what diseases ticks transmit and the symptoms to watch out for in Alabama this summer.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is probably the disease that ticks are most known for carrying. Lyme disease is transmitted by the Blacklegged Tick and is caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It is fairly easy to diagnosis Lyme disease and can be treated with antibiotics. However, if Lyme disease goes untreated the infection can spread to the cardio and nervous systems.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Fever
- Headache
- Erythema Migrans Rash (looks like a bulls eye)
- Fatigue
Borrelia Miyamotoi
If you’ve never heard of Borrelia Miyamotoi that’s because it is one of the newest tick borne diseases. It’s caused by a bacteria that is distantly related to the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease. Once again it’s the Blacklegged Tick that transmits this disease.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Headaches
- Muscle Aches
- Fever
- Erythema Migrans Rash (looks like a bulls eye)
- Arthritis
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Don’t let the name fool you – Alabamians can get RMSF from local ticks. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is transmitted by the American Dog Tick, which some reports show account for about 18% of the ticks in Alabama. It is also carried by the Brown Dog Tick, which makes up roughly 7% of the Alabama tick population. RMSF is a very serious disease that can cause death if it isn’t treated within a few days.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Vomiting
- Muscle Aches and Pain
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Fever
- Rash (not always present)
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)
About 68% of the ticks in Alabama are Lone Star Ticks, and they are the ones that transmit Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness. This is the reason why most cases of the disease are found in the southeastern region of the U.S.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Rash (most obvious and common symptom)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle Pain
- Joint Pain
Tularemia
Both the Lone Star Tick and the American Dog Tick transmit Tularemia. It is a disease that has been recorded throughout the entire U.S., including Alabama. Smaller animals like rabbits and rats are most affected by Tularemia and often die after an infection. It can also be life-threatening for humans but can easily be treated.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Skin ulcer at the bite site
- Swelling of lymph glands
- Fever
Ehrlichiosis
Several bacteria can cause Ehrlichiosis if a person is bitten by an infected tick. The Lone Star Tick is the primary carrier of this disease. The symptoms below will typically show up within 1-2 weeks of the infection.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle Aches
Rickettsia Parkeri Rickettsiosis
The Gulf Coast Tick is the carrier of the disease known as Rickettsia Parkeri Rickettsiosis. Only 4% of the ticks in Alabama are Gulf Coast Ticks, so the chances of getting this disease are slim. That said, the vast majority of cases are reported in the Gulf Coast region. Rickettsia Parkeri Rickettsiosis comes from the same family of bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Fever
- Headache
- Eschar(s)
- Rash
Babesiosis
Unlike other tick borne diseases, Babesiosis is caused by parasites that infect red blood cells. This disease primarily occurs in the northeast and Midwest, but it comes from the Blacklegged Tick, which has been found in Alabama.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
Many people do not show symptoms. Those that do will have the following:
- Fever
- Sweats
- Chills
- Nausea
- Headache
- Body Aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
Powassan Disease
Powassan Disease has mostly been reported in the northeast, but because it’s transmitted by the Blacklegged Tick there is potential for getting it in Alabama. If left untreated, Powassan Disease can cause neurological damage.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
- Headache
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Memory Loss
Keep in mind that ticks transmit a number of additional diseases in other areas of the country. You can keep yourself, your family and your pets safe from ticks with pest control treatments from Vulcan Termite & Pest Control, Inc. We offer custom pest control treatments for residential and commercial properties in the Pelham area. Give us a call today to schedule your tick-killing treatment!
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/pest-safety/the-dangers-symptoms-of-tick-borne-diseases/