The lone star tick ( Amblyomma americanum) can spread human ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI). However, you are correct to be concerned about this very aggressive species. Lone star ticks do not transmit Lyme disease. The lone star tick is primarily found in the southeastern and eastern United States. Relative infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi in Lewis rats by various routes of inoculation. Investigation of venereal, transplacental, and contact transmission of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, in Syrian hamsters. Borrelia burgdorferi and Treponema pallidum: a comparison of functional genomics, environmental adaptations, and pathogenic mechanisms. Consequently, it is possible for sexual partners living in the same household to both become infected through tick bites, even if one or both partners doesn’t remember being bitten. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease are very small and easily overlooked. Published studies in animals do not support sexual transmission (Moody 1991 Woodrum 1999), and the biology of the Lyme disease spirochete is not compatible this route of exposure (Porcella 2001). There is no credible scientific evidence that Lyme disease is spread through sexual contact. Ticks can also transmit other diseases, so it’s important to be alert for any illness that follows a tick bite. Common symptoms of Lyme disease include a rash, fever, body aches, facial paralysis, and arthritis. If you develop illness within a few weeks of a tick bite, see your health care provider right away. This is why it’s so important to remove them promptly and to check your body daily for ticks if you live in an endemic area. Finally, blacklegged ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease. Furthermore, only blacklegged ticks in the highly endemic areas of the northeastern and north central U.S. Many types of ticks bite people in the U.S., but only blacklegged ticks transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The chances that you might get Lyme disease from a single tick bite depend on the type of tick, where you acquired it, and how long it was attached to you. Sign up below to be added to our Daily Health Stories distribution list.If you have not done so already, remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers. Sullivan said if caught early, Lyme disease can generally be cured when treated with antibiotics. If you are experiencing symptoms or notice a bullseye rash, see a physician. ![]() “As that bacteria expands under our skin, the center, that initial red spot starts to fade so it looks a little bit like a bullseye.” “That bacteria, which is in the saliva, starts to multiply and that causes the expanding rash beyond that initial red mark,” said Dr. And if bitten, watch for a small red spot that may develop into a distinctive bullseye rash. If you find a tick, carefully remove it with tweezers. It’s important to look behind knees, under arms and on the scalp. Insect repellant containing DEET can also be used to help protect exposed skin.Īfter being in heavily wooded areas – do a tick check. When going into the woods, cover up exposed skin with clothing. ![]() Ticks like to hide in high grass, so keep the lawn mowed and hedges trimmed. More serious complications can occur as well, like inflammation of the heart muscle, spinal cord swelling, or facial paralysis. Symptoms can include headaches, breathing issues, or arthritis. Ticks burrow into the skin and can transmit bacteria, which may lead to Lyme disease. “The early symptoms are the ones where you may have the neck stiffness, the muscle aches, a low-grade fever, the change in appetite, that tends to be in that early phase where this tick has bitten us and put that bacteria into our skin,” he explained. CLEVELAND – Warmer weather means people are ready to get outside, but it’s also time for ticks.Ĭleveland Clinic’s Dan Sullivan, MD, reminds us that these critters can transmit Lyme disease.
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