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Tick Tactics

Ticks have a way of "creeping" into homes, courtesy of the family pet or the laundry hanging on the line. As we spend more time outdoors, these creatures may hop directly on us, in search of a meal. Most people know by now that a certain kind of tick (most commonly known as the deer tick) can carry a germ that causes Lyme Disease. There are also two other tick-related diseases that have been occurring more frequently within this health district territory. They are Ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis.

Not all deer ticks carry the germ that causes disease. In order to contract a disease from a tick, it must be: A) infected with the germ B) attached to a person for at least 24 hours and C) consume a blood meal in order for the germ to be passed into your body.

So, with those facts in mind, is the presence of a deer tick on your body (or an actual bite) cause for panic and alarm? The answer is no. Is the presence of a deer tick a reason to demand antibiotics? Again, the answer is no. But it is a reason to watch for symptoms and seek prompt medical care, should any occur. Ticks can be tested for the presence of the germ, but this will not tell you if the germ passed into your body. The CT Agricultural Station will identify for type all ticks and test only "deer" (Ixodes scapularis) ticks that are engorged with human blood. (The Ag Station will determine what ticks merit testing.) Before you can take a tick to the Ag Station, you must get a referral form from QVHD. The best way to submit a tick is in a small plastic zipper-locking bag or clear plastic vial with a tight-fitting lid. Do not use alchohol or other preservatives. Also avoid film canisters, glass containers, ticks mounted on slides or ticks under cellophane tape.

Following a tick bite, be observant for symptoms. While not everyone will get classic or all of these symptoms, most people get some indication of symptoms or illness. For Lyme Disease, watch for:

• A rash, which starts as a small spot at the site of the bite, than expands to cover a good size area. It may have a bulls-eye appearance. The key is that it expands gradually over a few days. It is not the red spot at the sight of the bite. There may be more than one of these rash areas. A Lyme Disease rash may look like a giant sore with elevated areas or it may be flat and look like a slap. It differs from a heat rash or a rash like chicken pox in that it is not a small, spotted rash. It is generally not painful or itchy, which is why it can go unnoticed
• Flu-like symptoms accompanied by a low-grade fever.
• Pain in the muscles and joints, especially the knees.
• Babesiosis can be severe and life-threatening. Watch for:
• Non-specific flu-like symptoms, 1-3 weeks following a bite.
• Fatigue, especially if it occurs with a documented anemia.
  Ehrlichiosis can be mild to severe and life-threatening. Watch for:
• Most common symptoms are fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
  Symptoms of other tick-caused illnesses can include fever and malaise, but most often do not have rashes. Different tickborne illnesses can occur together, which can increase the severity of the illness and extend the length of time.

To help prevent Lyme and other tick-borne disease, consider the following actions:

• Use an insect repellant (according to the directions) containing DEET .
• Use a tick repellant on your pets.
• Do a daily body check, especially in the folds of skin or warm, dark areas.
• Avoid tall grassy or wooded areas, if possible long-sleeved shirts or long pants tucked into socks may help, if weather conditions allow.
• Try some tick-safer landscaping ideas. (Packets available from QVHD.)

For free written information on removing ticks and tick-related diseases, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org