Deer Tick Bites Increase Cases of Lyme Disease, Babesiosis and Human Anaplasmosis

The number of tick-borne illnesses has increased in the past few years, particularly those resulting from the bites of infected deer ticks. Lyme disease is the most common, but deer tick bites are also responsible for increasing cases of babesiosis and human anaplasmosis, formerly called HGA.

Although spring-like temperatures in Minnesota have been seriously delayed in 2008, the state still anticipates being one of those where the largest number of tick-borne diseases are found each year. And I have been personally reminded once again to take precautions.

Tick season was brought to my attention recently, when I went to the hair salon for a routine shampoo and cut. After my shampoo, the stylist parted my hair only to exclaim that I had a tick embedded in my scalp. I think my stylist was prepared for me to go into panic mode, but I'm not one to panic over bugs, birds, mice or snakes. Within seconds she had the tick - head and all - removed and destroyed. This was a common wood tick, unlike the black-legged or deer tick that's responsible for most tick-borne diseases in my neck of the woods. Nonetheless, it was a reminder that tick season is upon us, and it's a good time to take steps to avoid tick bites and related tick-borne illnesses.

Most everyone has heard of Lyme disease. Babesiosis and human anaplasmosis are less common, but no less serious. Lyme disease is transmitted by tiny ticks that are found on deer, thus the name deer tick. When a deer tick infected with borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium, bites a person, the bacterium can transmit to and infect the human body. The resultant bacterial illness is called Lyme disease, which usually results in flu-like symptoms and, if left untreated, much more serious symptoms involving the joints and muscles. Death from Lyme disease is rare, but complications can be serious. The disease is treated with antibiotics, which kill the bacteria.

Babesiosis is another illness transmitted by deer ticks. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), it's caused by a parasite, infects the red blood cells and manifests in symptoms similar to malaria: high fever, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, headache and loss of appetite. It's not as common as Lyme disease and is most often seen in the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. Because babesiosis is caused by a parasite, it's treated with antimicrobial drugs.

Human anaplasmosis is a third, less common tick-borne disease. According to the MDH, human anaplasmosis used to be called human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Although human anaplasmosis can affect anyone, like babesiosis, it is seen primarily in older individuals or people with compromised immune systems. The most common symptoms manifest like the flu, including fever, headache, muscle aches and chills. Like Lyme Disease, human anaplasmosis is treated with antibiotics.

Although effective treatments exist for all three tick-borne diseases, the illnesses themselves cause considerable distress, especially if not diagnosed and treated early. The best defense is prevention.

According to the MDH, deer ticks are typically found in wooded areas and those places near woods that have significant leaf litter and brush. If you camp, hike or otherwise frequent such areas, steps should be taken to minimize your risk of contact with deer ticks.

For your clothing and gear, you can use products containing permethrin; such products can be found in stores that carry outdoor or camping gear. DEET-based repellents that may be applied to your skin will protect you from ticks, mosquitoes and other biting insects.

When outdoors in areas where deer ticks are prevalent, it's good to wear light colors so ticks can be more easily seen if they are crawling on your clothes. Long sleeves and long pants are also recommended as a means of limiting ticks' access to your skin.

If you do find a tick of any kind already embedded in your skin, remove it with a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to squeeze the tick or pull too quickly. Once removed, put an antiseptic on the bite. Remember that tick diseases are not transmitted immediately at the time of the bite, so if you're checking frequently for ticks and promptly removing any that may be found, chances are good you will have a safe summer free of tick-borne diseases.

Resources:

MDH; http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/anaplasmosis/basics.html