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Ag Notes: Take precautions to avoid tick bites

May 04, 2004|JERRY LITTLE

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The mechanism by which Lyme disease is transmitted in Kentucky is unclear.

The primary tick vector, Ixodes scapularis, has rarely been found here, although several of the ticks were found recently while surveying deer herds in southeastern Kentucky. More probably will be found in the future.

Q: What are the symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever?

A: Symptoms are flu-like, accompanied by headaches and a very high fever (104-106 degrees F), two to 12 days after being bitten by a tick.

The most characteristic sign is a rash that appears on about the second to fifth day on wrists and ankles, later spreading to other parts of the body.

When promptly diagnosed, RMSF can be successfully treated with antibiotics. In the absence of treatment, victims may die.

Q: I don't have a rash but still feel "crummy" - are there other tick-borne diseases I should be concerned about?

A: Tick bites can result in diseases other than Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Human ehrlichiosis is one important, emerging disease complex, believed to be transmitted by the species of ticks (e.g., lone star tick) common in Kentucky. Symptoms of ehrlichiosis in humans include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. There is usually no rash.

Early treatment with antibiotics is generally prescribed. Localized itching and irritation are rather common at the site of a tick bite. But when in doubt, it probably pays to see a physician.

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