Have you noticed an increase in ticks around your property lately? These summer pests might seem like harmless insects, but they often carry diseases that can affect both people and pets. So if you’ve found more ticks lately than usual, then arm yourself with the knowledge about two common diseases that ticks can carry and transmit. And, of course, contact the professionals about tick pest control.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
While likely not as famous as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a common tick-transmitted disease that can affect pets and people alike. Discover the particulars of this disease, including the causes, symptoms, signs, and treatment.
The usual cause is an infected tick, often the American Dog Tick and Brown Dog Tick. They can transfer this disease in as little as six to 10 hours.
Signs and Symptoms
Rocky Mountain spotted fever usually manifests itself with 14 days after infection. Early signs can include a fever, muscle aches, chills, vomiting, and headache. However, a very likely — but not always — sign is a rash. This starts at the wrists and ankles and can spread to the rest of your body. Additional signs might be neurological in nature, such as increased confusion.
If Rocky Mountain spotted fever continues without treatment, you might also experience more serious signs, such as inflammation of the brain, heart, or lungs; kidney failure, or death.
First, if you see a tick, remove it promptly. However, be careful when you extract it, as the tick can leave behind contaminated fluid that can still enter your bloodstream and infect you. Make sure to get the entire tick out.
Next, if you experience any of the above symptoms, see a doctor. They can determine whether or not you’re infected and provide you with the right medicine to control your symptoms and the infection.
This common tick-transmitted disease is usually from the deer tick. It commonly affects other animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and sheep. What are the details of this rising infection?
As mentioned, the deer tick is the cause of transmission and infection. However, ticks themselves aren’t usually the originators of this infection. Instead, wild rodents carry it, and deer ticks get it when they bite the rodents. From there, an infected deer tick can spread it to other animals.
Signs and Symptoms
If a person acquires this infection, they often display signs within a week such as fever, muscle pain, fatigue, stomach pains, or coughs. Rashes are not common with this specific infection. Additional signs of this disease might include nausea, loss of weight, joint pain, or confusion.
If you’ve noticed any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, then see a doctor immediately. While many infected people only have mild symptoms, people who are older or with other issues can experience more severe symptoms.
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and will often do bloodwork to determine if the infection is present in your body. They will ensure that you don’t have other tick-transmitted diseases or diseases with similar symptoms.
After a formal diagnosis, a doctor will provide you with medicine that fights both the symptoms and the infection itself. The doctor may also recommend bed rest and only light activities for a few weeks.
Get in Touch With Tick Extermination Experts
If you’ve seen ticks around your property, then don’t wait and put your health at risk. Contact the professionals at PermaTreat Pest and Termite Control now. We can evaluate your property, especially any grassy areas, for tick infestation and treat the area as needed. Let us know how we can help you today.