Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases

Tickborne Disease Frequently Asked Questions

• What tickborne diseases are prevalent in Pennsylvania?

  The following tickborne diseases are known to be transmitted in Pennsylvania:

  • Lyme Disease
  • Anaplasmosis
  • Babesiosis
  • Powassan Virus Disease
  • Ehrlichiosis
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• How do ticks spread disease?

  Ticks wait for a host (animals or people) on grass and shrubs. They can fly or jump, so they hold onto leaves and grass and wait to climb on to the host. When a host brushes the grass or shrub where the tick is waiting, it climbs on the host.

  Ticks transmit pathogens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) that cause disease through the process of feeding. Depending on the tick species and its stage of life, preparing to feed can take from 10 minutes to 2 hours. When the tick finds a feeding spot, it grasps the skin and “bites” into the surface.

• How do you remove a tick?
  1. Remove the tick as soon as possible. Delaying tick removal could increase your risk of getting a disease spread through tick bites.
  2. Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. If fine-tipped tweezers are not available, use regular tweezers or your fingers to grasp the tick. Grasp the tick close to the skin's surface to avoid squeezing the tick's body.
  3. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouthparts with tweezers. If you cannot remove the mouth easily with tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
  4. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.

  

  For more information on tick removal, refer to CDC’s Tick Removal and Testing.

• How do you dispose of a tick after you remove it?

  Once you remove a tick, you can dispose of it by taking one of these steps:

  • Place it in a sealed container
  • Wrap it tightly in tape
  • Flush it down the toilet
  • Put it in alcohol

  Do not crush the tick with your fingers.

• When should you see a physician?
  Untreated tickborne diseases can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the disease and stage of infection. These may include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis. Seek medical attention if you observe any of these symptoms and have had a tick bite, live in an area known for tickborne diseases, or have recently traveled to an area with reported cases of tickborne diseases.
• Why should you see a physician immediately after showing signs of a Tickborne Disease?
  Early diagnosis and proper treatment of a tickborne disease is important and can help prevent severe, long-term complications. 
• What is the best way to prevent tick bites?

  Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September). Know which ticks are most common in your area.

  Before you go outdoors:

  1. Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, or even on animals. Many people get ticks in their own yard or neighborhood.
  2. Treat clothing and gear. Use products containing 0.5% permethrin. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings.
  3. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
  4. Avoid Contact with ticks

  After you come indoors: 

  1. Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended.
  2. Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and daypacks.
  3. Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease and may be effective in reducing the risk of other tickborne diseases. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
  4. Check your body for ticks. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child's body for ticks:
     • Under the arms
     • In and around the ears
     • Inside belly button
     • Back of the knees
     • In and around the hair
     • Between the legs
     • Around the waist

  For more information, refer to CDC’s Preventing Tick Bites.