Diseases Spread by Ticks

Ticks are nasty little insects with 8 legs and a propensity for sucking blood from a host animal. They burrow into the skin and can transmit several dangerous diseases. Since ticks tend to hide in long grass in the hills, hikers are particularly susceptible. Two of the most common diseases spread by ticks are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Lyme disease was first identified in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi and has the following symptoms; a rash, chills and fever, swollen glands, malaise and achy joints. Luckily, Lyme disease is effectively treated with antibiotics, but if it isn't treated in time, it can cause some long term problems such as arthritis, facial paralysis, persistent headaches, or irregular heart rate.

Lyme disease had been found in almost all of the states including California, but it is generally found in the eastern states. It could take anywhere from one week to several weeks for an infected person to exhibit some signs of Lyme disease and weeks or even months for other symptoms to appear. To prevent the disease, hikers or outdoor workers should be very cautious by wearing long sleeved shirts and pants and checking one another after walking through tick habitat.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a severe disease caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a bacteria. It's been found in most states, but mostly in the southeast states. The symptoms are almost the same as those for Lyme disease, and include headache, nausea, aches, malaise and rash. The rash starts at the wound site and generally spreads quickly to the rest of the body. Unlike Lyme disease, however, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can begin to show symptoms as soon as 3 days after the initial bite. If left untreated, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause kidney failure and death. Therefore, it's very important to see a doctor at the first onset of symptoms so it can also be treated with antibiotics like Lyme disease.

As with any disease caused by ticks, it's best to reduce exposure or take precautious to avoid being exposed to ticks. Wearing protective clothing as mentioned above it the easiest, but using insecticides designed to kill ticks or repellants will help, as will removing ticks as soon as they're seen. Some stronger chemicals that kill ticks can't be applied to the skin, but can be sprayed on clothing.