Most
people think that ticks are ponly a dog's problem, but Dermacentor variabilis,
Ixodes scapularis, and Amblyomma maculatum also feed on humans if given the
chance. Common people should not fool themselves into thinking that ticks are
just a minor nuisance. Just like any other pest, ticks bring with them a myriad
of diseases that can be potentially lethal to humans.
One
of the most common ailments linked to tick bites is the so-called Lyme disease,
which is characterized by symptoms like headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and
rashes that resemble an ordinary allergic reaction. The disease can be treated
with the use of antibiotics, although the allergy-like symptoms may lead to
some misdiagnoses. If not treated immediately, the disease can cause heart and
nerve complications that may take weeks, months, or even years to fully
manifest.
People
with allergies may even suffer from Anaphylaxis if they're bitten by ticks.
This is a severe form of allergic reaction that can result unconsciousness (due
to shock) and even death in extreme cases. Other diseases attributed to tick
bites include Tularemia, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and
Babesiosis. Some people may even need tetanus shots to treat tick bites,
depending on the bacteria that's present in the bites.
www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html
0 comments:
Post a Comment