Rare but deadly: Transmitted by deer ticks (same as Lyme).
Onset: Symptoms can appear 1 week to 1 month after a bite.
Symptoms:
High fever
Severe headache
Vomiting
Weakness
Confusion, seizures, encephalitis (brain inflammation)
No treatment: Only supportive care (IV fluids, breathing support).
10% fatality rate; 50% of survivors have long-term neurological damage.
2. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii (transmitted by dog ticks).
Can progress rapidly: Untreated, it can be fatal in 5–10 days.
Early signs: Fever, headache, muscle aches—often NO rash initially.
Later: Rash (starts on wrists/ankles), confusion, organ failure.
Treatment: Doxycycline—must be given early to be effective.
3. Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)
More common in Europe/Asia, but related viruses exist in the U.S.
Causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
⚠️ Why This Is So Dangerous
Ticks are tiny: Nymph-stage deer ticks are poppy-seed size—easy to miss.
No pain: Tick bites don’t itch or hurt, so people often don’t notice them.
Symptoms mimic the flu: Many dismiss early signs until it’s too late.
Time is brain: With infections like Powassan or RMSF, delayed treatment = permanent damage or death.
✅ What You Can Do: Prevention & Early Action
Prevent Tick Bites
Use EPA-approved repellents (DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on clothing).
Tuck pants into socks when hiking or gardening.
Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors—ticks haven’t bitten yet!
Do a full-body tick check—especially scalp, armpits, groin.
If You Find a Tick
Remove it properly: Use fine-tipped tweezers, pull straight out slowly.
Save it: Put in a sealed bag—some labs can test for pathogens.
Monitor for symptoms for 30 days.
Seek Immediate Care If You Experience:
Fever + headache after outdoor activity
Confusion, neck stiffness, or sensitivity to light
Nausea/vomiting with no clear cause
Do NOT wait—tell the doctor: “I was bitten by a tick” or “I’ve been in wooded areas recently.”
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