DHR offers advise on tick related diseases and problems

When outdoors this summer or fall it is important to be on the look out for ticks, those small pests that continue to cause disease around the world. Some ticks can cause serious illness, and the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) wants you to know which ones can harm you, how to avoid them, and what to do if they bite.

There are hundreds of species of ticks but only a few commonly bite humans in Georgia, and they are the American dog tick, the lone star tick and the blacklegged tick. These three species can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, human monocytic ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease. Most cases of tick-borne disease in Georgia occur between April and September, but infection can occur year round.

"Although each disease has unique characteristics, the symptoms of tick-borne disease generally occur anywhere from three days to four weeks after being bitten and may include fever, rash, headache, and muscle pain," said Stuart Brown, M.D., director of DHR's Division of Public Health. "Not everyone develops all of these symptoms. Other symptoms, such as nausea, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and weakness can also occur. In 2006, 53 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, 14 cases of ehrilichiosis, two cases of anaplasmosis, and eight cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Public Health notifiable diseases section."

While the numbers of tick-borne illnesses are not alarmingly high, tickrelated diseases can cause serious illness. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, for instance, is the most severe and most frequently reported tickborne disease in the U.S., and it is spread by 'hard ticks' to humans. Initial signs and symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever, headache, and muscle pain, followed by a rash. It can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment it can be fatal.

"The Lyme disease bacteria is caused by the 'blacklegged tick' or 'deer tick' and can infect several parts of the body, producing different symptoms at different times," said Brown. "Not all people who have Lyme disease will have all symptoms, and many of the symptoms can occur with other diseases as well. Should you believe you may have Lyme disease,

it is important to consult your health care provider for proper diagnosis," said Brown.

After several months, many people with untreated infection will experience severe joint pain and swelling. Large joints, especially knees, are most often affected. Up to five percent of untreated people may develop chronic neurological problems months or even years after infection. Most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics, especially when treatment is begun early.

Ticks are commonly found in shady areas, moist ground litter, tall grass, brush, low tree branches, and along trails in the woods. They can also be found in backyards, especially those that border woody areas.

To properly remove a tick, grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. Slowly pull the tick straight out. Wash and treat the bite area with a disinfectant. DO NOT squeeze the tick, twist the tick, light the tick on fire, or cover the tick in petroleum jelly, nail polish, alcohol, or kerosene. These "home remedies" may increase the chances of developing a tick-borne illness.

There are several simple measures that can help prevent tick bites including the following. Avoid areas with a lot of ticks, as ticks prefer wooded and bushy areas with high grass and lots of fallen leaves. When in a wooded area, walk in the center of the trail to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and fallen leaves. Use insect repellent with 20 to 30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing to prevent tick bites. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks to keep ticks off your skin. Light-colored clothing will help you spot ticks more easily. Tucking pant legs into socks or boots and tucking shirts into pants helps keep ticks on the outside of clothing. When outside for extended periods of time, tape the area where your pants and socks meet to prevent ticks from crawling under your clothes.

Be sure to check your skin and clothes for ticks every day after being outdoors. Remove ticks from clothing before going indoors. Wash clothes in hot water and dry them using high heat for at least one hour to kill any ticks you may have missed. Perform daily tick checks after being outdoors, even in your own yard. Inspect all parts of your body carefully, and remove ticks immediately using fine-tipped tweezers.