Infections from ticks are on the rise in the United States. But while many parents know about Lyme Disease, fewer may be aware of other illnesses children can get from ticks. Fever, headache and other flu-like symptoms a week or two after being
Infections from ticks are on the rise in the United States. But while many parents know about Lyme Disease, fewer may be aware of other illnesses children can get from ticks. Fever, headache and other flu-like symptoms a week or two after being bitten by a tick, for example, could be symptoms of human ehrlichiosis infection.
How is it Spread?
Human ehrlichioses infections are caused by at least 3 different types of bacteria that are spread through bites of infected ticks—Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Anaplasma spp.
Lone star ticks(Amblyomma americanum), named for the single white dot on their backs, are the primary way humans are affected with ehrlichioses. In addition, lone star ticks are aggressive human biters—the most common tick reported to bite humans in the southeastern and southcentral United States. However, there have been reports of long star ticks in states as far north as Minnesota and New Hampshire.
Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) also can be infected with and spread the bacteria causing human ehrlichioses.
Signs and Symptoms:
Ehrlichiosis infections have signs and symptoms similar to influenza (the flu), including:
- Muscle and joint aches and pains
- Generally feeling sick and fatigued (malaise)
- Poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
In some cases, the child may also develop a rash, cough or confusion. These symptoms typically begin 5 to 10 days after the tick bite. It is important to remember that tick bites often go unnoticed. Many people with tick-borne infections do not realize that a tick has bitten them.
What Parents Can Do:
- Call the pediatrician. Children, or their parents, may not notice if they’ve been bitten by a tick. Call your pediatrician right away if your child has these symptoms—especially if the family recently spent time in nature areas. Your child may need lab tests and may receive a prescription antibacterial medication, usually doxycycline, if it turns out he or she has a human ehrlichiosis infection. Most children with ehrlichioses who are treated will recover completely within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Prevent exposure. Limit your child’s exposure to ticks and bacteria they may carry as much as possible. Steps that can help include:
- Stick to the beaten path. Try