What Diseases Do Ticks Carry?
Ticks are not only pesky, but they can be harmful too. Learn about which diseases you should watch out for when you find a tick. Learn more about getting rid of ticks with Responsible Pest Control. Schedule your free quote today!
What Diseases Do Ticks Carry?
Ticks can transmit harmful diseases to both animals and humans. These small arachnids can carry a wide range of illnesses, including Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
To protect yourself from ticks, you must know when you should be concerned about a tick bite and how a tick can make a human sick. By checking your body after any outings outside, especially in the woods, you could protect yourself from the harmful diseases that ticks could carry.
Common Diseases Ticks Carry
Ticks can transmit diseases to both animals and humans through their bite. When a tick bites, it attaches to the skin to feed on the blood. If the tick carries a disease, it can transfer it to the host through saliva.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease typically transmits to humans through a bite from an infected black-legged tick. Typical symptoms you could experience with Lyme disease include:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Skin rash
If Lyme disease doesn’t get treated promptly, it could lead to further issues. These issues could include an infection that spreads to joints, the nervous system, or the heart.
Babesiosis
Babesiosis is a disease caused by parasites that infect the red blood cells. This parasite typically spreads by ticks in the early nymph stage. Symptoms of babesiosis include:
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Dark urine
Medical professionals can treat babesiosis to help lessen the symptoms.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) transmits through infected ticks. If someone gets infected, it could turn deadly if they don’t seek treatment quickly. Typically, an antibiotic can treat this disease. RMSF is one of the deadliest diseases caused by ticks in the United States.
Symptoms of RMSF include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Rash
- Muscle pain
This disease does not cause a chronic infection. Although, some people who recover after a severe bout of RMSF could have permanent damage. For example, some people have experienced amputations of their body parts, paralysis, or a mental disability.
Do All Ticks Carry Diseases?
No, all ticks do not carry diseases. The most common tick to carry diseases in the United States is the black-legged tick.
Can a Tick Make a Human Sick?
Ticks can make humans sick when they carry harmful pathogens through their bites. The diseases range in symptoms from fatigue to joint pain and neurological issues.
When Should I Be Concerned About a Tick Bite?
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it immediately to reduce the risk of disease transmission. If you develop any symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Contact Responsible Pest Control to Protect Yourself From Harmful Ticks
To protect yourself from harmful ticks, wear long sleeves outside in wooded areas, use insect repellent, and check yourself after spending time outdoors.
Responsible Pest Control can help you take preventative measures against ticks. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
