Tick Safety

What are Ticks?

Ticks are small parasites that live in wooded areas. They attach themselves to people or animals and feed on blood. There are many types of ticks in the United States. In Virginia, 16 species exist, but the most common in this part of the state are the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick and the Lone Star Tick.

Transmission of Disease:

The most common disease from the Deer Tick is Lyme disease. Depending on the severity, symptoms appear differently in others. Symptoms appear 1–2 weeks after being bitten. Some of the common symptoms are:

• Fever
• Rash (Typically a bullseye-shaped)
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Body aches

The Lone Star Tick presents itself differently from the Deer Tick. It can lead to Alpha-gal Syndrome, a condition in which people become allergic to red meat and dairy due to certain sugar molecules in these foods. Symptoms usually start 2 to 6 hours after a bite. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Severe stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Itchy rash or hives

If you develop any severe reaction, contact your healthcare provider right away.

 

The image shows a good representation of common ticks and their sizes.

How Can I Keep Safe?

You can protect yourself from tick bites in several ways. Here are a few:

• After walking on park grounds or trails, check yourself, your pets, and others for ticks.
• Wear bug spray.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover as much skin as possible.
• Treat your clothes with permethrin, a type of bug repellent.

Removal of the Tick:

Follow these steps to remove a tick safely.

• Use tweezers to remove the tick.
• Gently pull the tick away from the skin in an upward motion. Do not twist or jerk, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off.
• Dispose of the tick safely by putting it in a sealed container, flushing it down the toilet, wrapping it in tape, or placing it in rubbing alcohol. Do not crush or break the tick!
• Thoroughly clean the affected area with soap and water or apply rubbing alcohol.