What Everyone Should Know About Ticks & Disease

There have been an increased number of calls to the Fairfield Department of Health related to tick bites.  Residents need to know that not all ticks cause human disease, but certain species of ticks can carry the bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease.  It is always best to avoid ticks if possible, and at the same time become familiar with tick borne diseases and their symptoms.   

The American dog tick is the primary carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the eastern United Sates.  In Ohio, this tick is widespread and abundant.  It will bite and feed on any available mammal, including humans.  Rocky Mountain spotted fever has been found in 71 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

The bacteria that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever is transmitted to humans through the tick’s saliva while feeding.  Only one to three percent of the tick population carries this bacterium, so risk of exposure to an infected tick are pretty low. 

Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever appear two to 14 days after the tick bite.  These symptoms can include a sudden onset of fever, headache, flu-like symptoms and often followed by a characteristic spotted rash.  The rash first appears at the wrists and ankles, and may spread if not treated.  When diagnosed early, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is treated with antibiotics.  If left untreated, it can be fatal.   

Lyme is a bacterial disease caused by a spirochete-type bacterium.  Lyme disease is transmitted by the black legged tick, also known as the “deer tick”.    This tick is commonly found in areas of deciduous forest and especially with leaf litter.  This tick is rare, but has been found – which means they are being imported into our area through migratory birds, animals and pets that travel from one area to another.  In 2008, Ohio reported 45 cases of Lyme disease, but Fairfield County had no reported cases.   

The first sign of a Lyme disease infection is the characteristic “bull’s eye” rash that develops at the site of where the tick was attached to the person.  This rash usually appears seven to 14 days after the tick exposure.  Other symptoms could include muscle aches, tiredness, fever, swollen glands, headache and joint pain.  Lyme infections can have long-term, chronic complications that develop months or years after infection. 

In its early stages, Lyme disease is commonly treated with antibiotics.  Having Lyme disease once, unfortunately does not protect against re-infection.  

Note that people cannot get Rocky Mountain spotted fever or Lyme disease from another person. The disease is only spread through a tick that is infected with the disease. 

What to do if you find a tick on you 

Remove the tick as soon as possible – this reduces your risk of infection.  Use tweezers if possible to pull the tick straight up and out.  Try not to crush or puncture the tick or use a cigarette to remove it.  This may cause the tick to burst and increase disease risk.  After you remove the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water. 

You can have the tick submitted for testing, as identifying the tick is the first step in determining disease risk.  Remember that not all ticks cause human disease.  To submit a tick for testing, keep the tick alive and place it in a tightly sealed container with a small piece or moist paper towel.  Contact the Ohio Department of Health for specific instructions, 614-752-1029 or your Fairfield Department of Health at 740-652-2800.  Your health department can submit the tick for testing. 

Also, be aware of the symptoms of tick borne diseases and see your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.   

How to avoid being bitten by a tick 

Ticks are active in Ohio from early spring to late fall.  To avoid exposure to ticks, obviously avoid tick-infested areas.  Dog ticks are often found in overgrown lost and along weedy roadsides, paths and trails.  In spring and summer, ticks wait on vegetation for a person or animal to brush against the vegetation.  Then the tick will cling to fur or clothing and look for a place to attach and begin feeding.  Contrary to popular belief, ticks don’t fall out of trees – they climb up to your head and attach to your scalp. 

So, if you go into these places, tuck your pants into your sock tops or boots.   Wear light colored clothing to make it easier to see ticks.  Use repellants and follow their instruction carefully.  Check your dogs that have been outside.  Keep your yard and outdoor play areas well mowed to discourage tick infestation. 

Adult female dog tick, CDC photo

Adult female black legged tick, CDC photo

Lifecycles of ticks and sizes comparable to a dime, CDC drawing