Human Tick Diseases

There are many diseases in humans that can be caused by the bite of a tick. Tick-borne illnesses are referred to as rickettsial. Among the most common in the United States are Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.

In many cases, tick-borne illnesses resolve themselves without treatment after causing flu-like symptoms. However, some of the diseases can be quite serious if left untreated and others can cause serious complications in specific cases.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by the bite of an American dog tick or Rocky Mountain wood tick. In the United States, it is the most severe and common tick-borne disease. A bacterium, Rickettsia rickettsii, is spread to humans by the bite of a tick. The bacteria cause the illness. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache and muscle pain. A rash often develops. Rocky Mountain spotted fever requires immediate medical intervention without which it can be fatal.

Lyme Disease

• Lyme disease is spread by infected deer ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 20,000 Lyme disease cases are reported in the U.S. each year. With Lyme disease, a bull's-eye type rash develops followed by symptoms that include fever, fatigue, and head, muscle and joint aches. Lyme disease can be serious if not treated, leading to infection of the joints, heart and nervous system.

Ehrlichiosis

• Ehrlichiosis is caused by bacteria that are spread by the bite of ticks. Symptoms include fever and head and muscle aches. These may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, joint pains and confusion. In children, a rash is often present. About half of those who develop the disease must be hospitalized. Ehrlichiosis can be fatal without proper treatment.

Babesiosis

• Babesiosis is a microscopic parasite that infects the white blood cells and is spread by deer ticks. Many who are infected do not develop symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they may include fever, chills, sweats, head and body aches, loss of appetite, nausea and fatigue. It can cause serious complications in those with weakened immune systems, with other health issues and with the elderly.

Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness

• Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness is similar to Lyme disease but is not the same. With STARI, a rash develops following a bite from the Lone Star Tick. Accompanying symptoms may include fatigue and fever, and head, muscle and joint aches. While Lyme disease has been linked to chronic issues in those with the illness, STARI has not been related to any long-term issues.

Prevention

• To prevent tick-borne disease, protect yourself against the bite of a tick. Avoid areas where ticks are likely to be found, such as dense woods. Wear long pants and socks when in such areas and check yourself for ticks after outdoor activities. If you've been bitten, monitor your health for 30 days. If you develop flu-like symptoms, a rash or swollen lymph nodes, you should see your doctor.