TICK Bites
Ticks are members of the order Acarina, as are mites. Distinguished by their fused thorax and abdomen, ticks have an oval body that is flat and sac-like, with a leathery consistency. While larval ticks have six legs, adult ticks have eight, with the front legs curved forward as in crabs. Adult females may be up to ½ inch in length.
Ticks lie in ambush for their warm-blooded hosts on the tips of tall grass and shrubs. Heat and carbon dioxide may stimulate adult ticks to drop off their perch, and special sensory organs enable them to spot potential hosts at long distances. Ticks attach to the skin with recurved teeth and produce a glue-like secretion which tightens their grip. After feasting on. the victim for a few days, the tick may become grotesquely bloated and distended, with legs barely protruding. Ticks are well-known for their ability to survive without food for prolonged periods, up to sixteen years for some species.
There are two families of ticks, the soft Argasid and the more important hard Ixodid ticks. Among hard ticks, the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is found both on the Pacific Coast and east of the Rockies; in the east, it is the species most often found on man. This tick can transmit tularemia and tick paralysis. It is the principal, if not only, carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the eastern and central United States.
The Rocky Mountain. wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is found in the Rocky Mountains and neighboring regions to the west and in the Southwest. In these areas it is the major vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and of Colorado tick fever. It is almost always the species responsible for tick bite paralysis in the Pacific Northwest where this disease is most common.30
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is named for the silver spot on its back. This tick is found in the southeast and in Missouri and Texas. Especially common in the Ozark region, the lone star inflicts severe bites and spreads several serious diseases, particularly tularemia. Unlike the Dermacentor species, it attacks man in the larval and nymphal as well as the adult stages. 31 The lone star tick is also difficult to control with pesticides.
A few soft ticks are of importance. Some carry relapsing fever in the western states, while the pajaroello, a large tick of the mountainous coastal counties of California and Mexico is feared because of its bite, which can result in considerable swelling, discoloration, and ulceration at the site.
Tick bites are seldom painful. Often the attached tick will not be noticed for several days. There may be some itching, and the tick may be first discovered as a lump that has been scratched.
Complications of tick bites can develop, however. Tick bite granuloma, or "tick nodule," is a lump which appears at the site days to weeks later. Usually red and firm, this lump may be itchy or tender and can be as large as I inch in diameter. Sometimes they are soft, and periodically drain fluid or purulent material. These granulomas may persist for months, and usually require medical attention.
A more serious disorder is the infamous tick bite paralysis.This occurs chiefly in the Pacific northwest, but has become more common in the eastern states. Most often seen in the summer, tick bite paralysis seems to be due to a toxin present in the saliva of some female ticks. The closer the tick is attached to the brain or spinal cord, the more rapidly the paralysis will develop and the worse it will be. The tick is often attached at the nape of the neck but may be in the groin or other areas. Children under two years of age are most frequently involved. Thankfully, this is not a common problem, accounting for about 1 death per year, with a death rate of about 12 percent.
In cases of tick paralysis, there is a latent period of about 5 days after the tick becomes attached to the skin. The victim may become tired and irritable, and complain of pain or tingling sensations in the legs. This is quickly followed by staggering and a loss of coordination, and paralysis within twenty-four hours of the onset of symptoms. The paralysis begins in the lower extremities and moves rapidly upward, but there is no pain or fever in the early stages. This helps differentiate the disease from polio, with which it may be confused. Unless the paralysis is severe the victim will recover dramatically after removal of the tick. Thus, paralysis and death are preventable, if the disease is suspected and the tick searched for and removed in time.
Treatment for TICK Bites
When removing attached ticks, it is important to be sure that none of the mouthparts are left behind. A drop of kerosene, benzene or gasoline can be applied to encourage the tick to release its grip. The tick's posterior can be burned with a hot cigarette tip or match (obviously not while flammable solvents are still present). Clear fingernail polish, mineral oil, or vaseline can be used to smother the tick. After any of these remedies one should wait at least ten minutes 'to allow the tick time to release its grip.
If this fails, the tick can be gently pulled off. It should be remembered that ticks are very firmly attached and may be unable or unwilling to release their grip. They should be pulled off gently with sustained pressure. The tick should not be crushed or squeezed, because this could force its body's contents into the wound, along with any undesirable germs it may harbor. After removal of the tick, the site should be treated with an antiseptic.
TICK Bites Prevention
Ticks lie in ambush for their warm-blooded hosts on the tips of tall grass and shrubs. Heat and carbon dioxide may stimulate adult ticks to drop off their perch, and special sensory organs enable them to spot potential hosts at long distances. Ticks attach to the skin with recurved teeth and produce a glue-like secretion which tightens their grip. After feasting on. the victim for a few days, the tick may become grotesquely bloated and distended, with legs barely protruding. Ticks are well-known for their ability to survive without food for prolonged periods, up to sixteen years for some species.
There are two families of ticks, the soft Argasid and the more important hard Ixodid ticks. Among hard ticks, the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is found both on the Pacific Coast and east of the Rockies; in the east, it is the species most often found on man. This tick can transmit tularemia and tick paralysis. It is the principal, if not only, carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the eastern and central United States.
The Rocky Mountain. wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is found in the Rocky Mountains and neighboring regions to the west and in the Southwest. In these areas it is the major vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and of Colorado tick fever. It is almost always the species responsible for tick bite paralysis in the Pacific Northwest where this disease is most common.30
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is named for the silver spot on its back. This tick is found in the southeast and in Missouri and Texas. Especially common in the Ozark region, the lone star inflicts severe bites and spreads several serious diseases, particularly tularemia. Unlike the Dermacentor species, it attacks man in the larval and nymphal as well as the adult stages. 31 The lone star tick is also difficult to control with pesticides.
A few soft ticks are of importance. Some carry relapsing fever in the western states, while the pajaroello, a large tick of the mountainous coastal counties of California and Mexico is feared because of its bite, which can result in considerable swelling, discoloration, and ulceration at the site.
Tick bites are seldom painful. Often the attached tick will not be noticed for several days. There may be some itching, and the tick may be first discovered as a lump that has been scratched.
Complications of tick bites can develop, however. Tick bite granuloma, or "tick nodule," is a lump which appears at the site days to weeks later. Usually red and firm, this lump may be itchy or tender and can be as large as I inch in diameter. Sometimes they are soft, and periodically drain fluid or purulent material. These granulomas may persist for months, and usually require medical attention.
A more serious disorder is the infamous tick bite paralysis.This occurs chiefly in the Pacific northwest, but has become more common in the eastern states. Most often seen in the summer, tick bite paralysis seems to be due to a toxin present in the saliva of some female ticks. The closer the tick is attached to the brain or spinal cord, the more rapidly the paralysis will develop and the worse it will be. The tick is often attached at the nape of the neck but may be in the groin or other areas. Children under two years of age are most frequently involved. Thankfully, this is not a common problem, accounting for about 1 death per year, with a death rate of about 12 percent.
In cases of tick paralysis, there is a latent period of about 5 days after the tick becomes attached to the skin. The victim may become tired and irritable, and complain of pain or tingling sensations in the legs. This is quickly followed by staggering and a loss of coordination, and paralysis within twenty-four hours of the onset of symptoms. The paralysis begins in the lower extremities and moves rapidly upward, but there is no pain or fever in the early stages. This helps differentiate the disease from polio, with which it may be confused. Unless the paralysis is severe the victim will recover dramatically after removal of the tick. Thus, paralysis and death are preventable, if the disease is suspected and the tick searched for and removed in time.
Treatment for TICK Bites
When removing attached ticks, it is important to be sure that none of the mouthparts are left behind. A drop of kerosene, benzene or gasoline can be applied to encourage the tick to release its grip. The tick's posterior can be burned with a hot cigarette tip or match (obviously not while flammable solvents are still present). Clear fingernail polish, mineral oil, or vaseline can be used to smother the tick. After any of these remedies one should wait at least ten minutes 'to allow the tick time to release its grip.
If this fails, the tick can be gently pulled off. It should be remembered that ticks are very firmly attached and may be unable or unwilling to release their grip. They should be pulled off gently with sustained pressure. The tick should not be crushed or squeezed, because this could force its body's contents into the wound, along with any undesirable germs it may harbor. After removal of the tick, the site should be treated with an antiseptic.
TICK Bites Prevention
When venturing into tick-infested areas, the individual should wear protective clothing as well as high-topped shoes, boots, or leggings. Sleeves and cuffs should fit tightly and the trousers should be tucked into the boot tops. After such field trips, your clothes should be hung up for several days, because ticks present on the garments will eventually walk away in search of more fertile fields. The body should be inspected carefully once or twice daily and at the end of the day while on trips into infested areas. The scalp and hairy areas, such as the armpits, groin, and between the fingers and toes should be especially scrutinized. It may help to do this in pairs, and remember to check the children very thoroughly.
The insect repellents discussed in the chapter on biting insects are useful against ticks. Particular care should be taken to apply them around cuffs and at locations that allow the tick access to the skin. Dogs should be treated regularly since they can bring ticks into contact with man.
If an individual becomes ill with fever, headache, a rash or other suspicious symptoms, he must see a physician immediately. Serious infectious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, relapsing fever, Q fever, and tick paralysis can result from tick bites.
The insect repellents discussed in the chapter on biting insects are useful against ticks. Particular care should be taken to apply them around cuffs and at locations that allow the tick access to the skin. Dogs should be treated regularly since they can bring ticks into contact with man.
If an individual becomes ill with fever, headache, a rash or other suspicious symptoms, he must see a physician immediately. Serious infectious diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, relapsing fever, Q fever, and tick paralysis can result from tick bites.
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