Tick bites are most common during late spring and summer, but can occur anytime the temperature is above freezing.
While tick bites are extremely common in the summer, the risk of contracting a tick borne disease (Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) is small. By taking the few simple precautions we will outline, being alert to the possibility of tick bites, and contacting us immediately if one should occur, all outdoor activities can be safely enjoyed.
Types of Ticks
The two most common ticks found on Long Island are deer tick (left image) and the better known dog tick (right image) as pictured below:
(Please note that an deer tick is extremely small, about the size of a pin head.)
The bacterium causing Lyme Disease is found in the deer tick which is the size of a sesame seed before feeding and the size of a small pea after feeding.
Avoiding Ticks
Ticks do not fly, jump, or actively pursue people or pets. Instead they cling to animals and humans as they brush by. Try to avoid wooded or marsh land areas and take the following precautions:
- Stay in the center of trails and paths.
- Wear long pants tucked into boots, socks and long sleeves.
- Use an insect repellant containing D.E.E.T. (spray on clothing; not on skin). Skedaddle is safe for children.
- Keep long hair tied back.
- Keep the grass cut short and remove unwanted shrubs. However, remember that ticks may even be found in manicured lawns.
- Inspect your body, your children, clothing and dogs. Check a younger child’s groin, waistline, under arms, neck, and scalp. Teach older children to check themselves.
Removing Ticks
A tick must feed for many hours before the disease is transmitted. Thus timely removal prevents the disease.
Flip the tick over onto its back. Grasp the head of the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Gently but steadily pull the tick out and save for us to examine. Examine the skin with a magnifying glass to make sure that no part of the tick remains in the skin. Residual pieces of the tick may cause local reactions. Wash the site with soap and water and apply an antiseptic. Contact our office.
Lyme Disease
This is a bacterial disease transmitted by the deer tick. It can be diagnosed by clinical symptoms and/or a positive blood test.
Symptoms
Symptoms begin 3-30 days after the bite. Almost all individuals develop a flu-like illness with fever and headache. 60-80% develop a rash consisting of 1 or more red blotches that expand in a circle with central clearing. The rash is virtually diagnostic. Untreated cases may go to develop involvement of the heart, nervous system and finally the joints (Lyme Arthritis).
Treatment
Taking antibiotics for 2-4 weeks is often very effective. Tetracyline can also be used.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
This is a ricketsial disease transmitted by infected ticks – usually the dog tick in the Eastern United States. This disease is extremely rare on Long Island.
Symptoms
Symptoms occur 2-14 days after the tick bite with severe headache, fever, muscle pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, and vomiting. In a few days a rash begins on the wrists and ankles and spreads to the palms and soles and then to the rest of the body. The rash appears as slightly raised red blotches that later become dusky blue.
Treatment
Under 8: Chloramphenicol
Over 8: Tetracycline
Remember:
- Save all ticks for us to examine
- The tick bite may be missed so call us as soon as possible if any of the above symptoms occur.
