Tick-Borne Illnesses: Unraveling the Facts and Dispelling Myths

The Most Common Tick-Borne Illnesses

While there are many diseases or illnesses you can contract from the bite of a tick, a few are more common. Sadly, many misconceptions exist about these conditions, and setting the record straight is essential.

 

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness, or at least the one discussed in the news. This condition is brought on when the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria enters the bloodstream. Symptoms of this disease include fever, headaches, extreme fatigue, bullseye skin rash (erythema migrans), seizures, neurological issues, joint pains, and heart problems.

Myth Vs. Facts

Myth #1: Lyme disease is only a problem when people are in heavily wooded areas.

Fact: The chances of being bitten by a tick certainly increase when you’re in a wooded area, but you can contract Lyme disease anywhere you encounter a tick. Even a trip to the local park can be trouble when there are grassy fields, hiking trails, and the presence of these arachnoids.

Myth #2: You only have Lyme disease if you see a bullseye rash.

Fact: While the bullseye rash is a common sign that the disease is present, 20-30% of those infected will have no sign of a rash. Additionally, if the rash is in an area where one cannot clearly see it, it can be missed. The rash may take on different characteristics, and since they don’t all look the same, it’s challenging for some folks to realize what they have on their body.

Myth#3: Lyme disease is easy to diagnose.

Fact: In a perfect world, a medical professional could run a blood test and immediately tell that Lyme disease is present. However, the testing process used can’t always tell in the early stages. It’s common to get false negatives as the antibodies needed to yield a positive result aren’t always high enough for the test to read.

A clinical evaluation is essential. It includes the patient’s history, a full examination, and a diagnosis that aims to treat the condition even if the test proves negative.

Myth #4: You can only get Lyme disease one time.

Fact: It would be nice if your body built up antibodies to this condition, and once you got it, you never had to worry about it again. However, you can repeatedly get re-infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium if you get bitten by a diseased tick.

Myth #5: Lyme disease only lasts a couple of weeks.

Fact: While in many folks, the illness runs its course and is over in a few weeks, some people have persistent symptoms that resist the antibiotics. Post-treatment Lyme disease is becoming more common. As the strains of bacteria being spread become more resistant, the medical community is seeing more of these cases.

Myth #6: The tick must be attached for 24 hours to be infected with this disease.

Fact: A tick can pass this condition along to you in 24 hours, but it might take 48 hours. There’s not a certain amount of time necessary to pass this illness. However, studies have proven it must be attached at least 24 hours for transmission.

Myth #7: It doesn’t affect the entire country, as it only has been reported in certain areas.

Fact: Lyme disease has been documented in many states and countries. This disease is not geographically limited, so there’s a risk of transmission anywhere there are ticks.

Myth #8: Chronic Lyme disease is well-recognized.

Fact: Actually, the use of the term “chronic Lyme disease” is very controversial in the medical community. However, more professionals are beginning to note that it can’t be ignored despite little scientific evidence to support what they see.

 

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a dangerous tick-borne illness that can be fatal if left untreated. It’s caused by the strain of bacteria known as Rickettsia. The American dog tick and wood tick spread this condition, and symptoms usually appear within 1-2 weeks of being bitten.

Symptoms include fever, headaches, photophobia, rash, nausea, muscle aches and spasms, joint pains, chronic fatigue, and respiratory distress. In severe conditions, kidney failure, seizures, confusion, and even death can occur if treatment is not sought quickly.

Myth Vs. Facts

Myth #1: RMSF only occurs in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Fact: Sadly, there are cases of this severe illness worldwide, and you don’t have to be in the Rocky Mountains to get it.

Myth #2: There’s always a rash with RMSF.

Fact: False! There’s usually a rash with this disease, but just because there’s no rash present doesn’t mean you don’t have this condition.

Myth #3: Pets are immune to RMSF.

Fact: There are reported cases of pets getting RMSF just as well as humans. This strong bacteria strain is hard to fight off for man and beast.

 

Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis

Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis are tick-borne diseases caused by different strains of bacteria, but they share similar symptoms and treatment methods. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is transmitted through the bite of a black-legged tick or the western black-legged tick.

Those who have this condition will often have fevers, rashes, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, as well as other gastrointestinal issues.

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is transmitted by being bitten by the lone star tick. Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, people experience inflammation and other immune responses within 1-2 weeks of the initial bite. Early diagnosis and treatment are best for a favorable outcome when dealing with both conditions.

Myth Vs. Facts

Myth #1: Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis are easily diagnosed and treated.

Fact: Since the symptoms of these two conditions are like other illnesses, it’s often challenging to diagnose. Additionally, lab tests are often unreliable, and doctors must use the process of elimination to make a confirmed diagnosis.

Myth #2: Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis always cause severe illness.

Fact: Thankfully, these tick-borne viruses are usually mild and present little to no symptoms. However, those with a compromised immune system might have more severe conditions when dealing with these strains of bacteria.

Myth #3: Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis are rare diseases.

Fact: These two conditions don’t get as much media attention as Lyme or RMSF, but they’re very prevalent around the United States. More knowledge should be brought to this and other tick-borne illnesses to help bring public awareness. 

 

Alpha-Gal

Alpha-gal is a meat allergy that causes an allergic reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or sugar molecules. The bite of the lone star tick prompts this allergy, and the bacteria Amblyomma Americanum is transferred into the host’s bloodstream. 

When infected, the body’s immune system kicks into overdrive and produces IgE antibodies when it notices the presence of alpha-gal in the body. The antibodies cause a person to have an allergic reaction whenever they eat meat or dairy products. Symptoms can vary significantly between people, including hives, swelling, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory distress, anaphylaxis, and a whole array of symptoms.

Myth Vs. Facts

Myth #1: Alpha-gal is caused by eating too much meat.

Fact: This condition has nothing to do with meat, but it’s all about the antibodies the system makes to fight the disease. These antibodies attach sugar molecules found in dairy and meat products.

Myth #2: Those with this condition should avoid red meats, but others are okay.

Fact: Wrong! Each person is different, and so is how this condition affects the body. Some people can’t eat pork, lamb, or meat when they have alpha-gal, while others are just allergic to the red varieties.

Myth #3: Once diagnosed, one can never eat meat again.

Fact: While avoiding meat is essential initially, many people find that they can start enjoying red meats again with the proper treatment and time. However, each person is different and should follow the advice of their healthcare provider.

 

The Proper Way to Remove a Tick

To prevent contracting one of these illnesses, it’s best to learn how to properly remove a tick. Many people pull it out with their fingers, leaving the head still attached to their skin.

When this happens, the rate of disease transmission is higher as the saliva is still entering the bloodstream. Additionally, it can cause an infection at the bite site. Skip home remedies like matches, petroleum jelly, nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, and any other hack that’s supposed to be a quick fix. There’s a better way, and here are the steps to properly remove a tick.

1. Grab a pair of fine-tipped tweezers and grasp as close to the tick’s body as possible. Don’t squeeze or crush the tick, as this can increase the chances of disease transmission.
2. Slowly pull the tick upward and away from the skin. Don’t be in a hurry as this can cause you to leave parts behind. Don’t twist or jerk quickly as any breakoff can leave parts embedded in the skin.
3. Dispose of the tick by flushing it or putting it in a sealed container in the trash. If you note that you’ve been bitten by a tick known to cause a disease, it might be beneficial to keep the tick for identification and testing later. This is especially important if you develop any symptoms.
4. Make sure you clean the bite area and your hands with alcohol, soap, and water.
5. Monitor the area for the next few weeks. Ensure you get prompt medical help if you develop a rash of flu-like symptoms.

 

Staying Safe

It’s essential to stay safe during the warmer months, especially if you frequent parks, wooded areas, or other known playgrounds for ticks. Sadly, you have ticks in your yard that present a problem, so if your yard is overpopulated it is time to call for professional help.

Having your yard sprayed for ticks and fleas is a great way to reduce the population and protect your pets and family. While you can’t kill every tick in nature, you can certainly improve your chances of encountering one close to your home.

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