Tick-borne diseases are caused by various pathogens transmitted to humans through tick bites. But what are the symptoms of tick-borne diseases?
We are providers of support services cited in the HHS report on access to care services for tick-borne diseases. So we are well-placed to provide information on tick-borne diseases …and the support available for them.
We’ll start with a brief list of the top 10 symptoms of tick-borne diseases.
Beyond that, we’ll head into more detail. Because symptoms can vary depending on the specific tick-borne disease.
Top 10 symptoms of tick-borne diseases
- Fever: Many tick-borne diseases can cause fever, which is often one of the initial symptoms.
- Fatigue: Persistent fatigue and weakness may occur in individuals with tick-borne diseases.
- Headache: Headaches, including migraines, can be a common symptom of tick-borne illnesses.
- Muscle and joint aches: Generalized muscle and joint pain or stiffness are frequently reported.
- Rash: Some tick-borne diseases can cause distinctive rashes. For example, Lyme disease often presents with an expanding red rash known as erythema migrans.
- Flu-like symptoms: Many tick-borne diseases can mimic flu-like symptoms, including chills, sweats, sore throat, and body aches.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes may be observed, particularly near the site of the tick bite or in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Neurological symptoms: Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like facial paralysis, numbness or tingling in the extremities, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating or remembering.
- Digestive issues: Some tick-borne diseases can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
- Cardiac abnormalities: Certain tick-borne diseases, like Lyme disease, may affect the heart, leading to palpitations, chest pain, or irregular heart rhythms.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can vary greatly depending on the specific tick-borne disease and individual factors.
If you suspect you have a tick-borne illness, it is crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Before we head deeper into this subject, for more information, read our article outlining what Lyme disease is.
That’s the list summary …which helps. But some can be vague or interpreted differently. So let’s describe each of the above in more detail, starting with Fever.
1. Fever
Fever is a common symptom associated with tick-borne diseases and often serves as an early warning sign.
When a tick infected with a pathogen bites a human, it introduces the infectious agent into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response.
The body’s immune system reacts by releasing chemicals that raise the body’s temperature, resulting in a fever.
The fever serves as a defense mechanism to inhibit the growth and spread of the pathogen.
The intensity and duration of the fever can vary depending on the specific tick-borne disease and individual factors. It is important to monitor the fever closely, as persistent or high-grade fevers may indicate a more severe infection or complications.
Seeking medical attention is advisable to determine the underlying cause of the fever and receive appropriate treatment.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom experienced by individuals with tick-borne diseases. It is characterized by persistent tiredness, weakness, and a lack of energy.
Tick-borne diseases can cause fatigue through multiple mechanisms.
Firstly, the immune response triggered by the infection can place a significant burden on the body, leading to fatigue as the body tries to combat the pathogen.
Additionally, the infectious agents themselves can directly affect the body’s energy production and metabolism, leading to feelings of exhaustion.
In some cases, tick-borne diseases can also disrupt sleep patterns, contributing to fatigue.
The severity and duration of fatigue can vary depending on the specific tick-borne disease and individual factors.
Rest and conserve energy when experiencing fatigue and seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management of the underlying tick-borne illness.
3. Headache
Headaches are a common symptom associated with tick-borne diseases.
The exact cause of headaches in tick-borne illnesses can vary depending on the specific pathogen and individual factors.
One possible reason for headaches is the immune system’s response to the infection.
When the body detects the presence of the tick-borne pathogen, it releases inflammatory substances and triggers an immune response, which can lead to headaches.
Additionally, the infection itself can cause inflammation and affect blood vessels, resulting in headaches.
Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease have been associated with migraines and severe headaches.
Dehydration, another factor that may occur during a tick-borne illness due to fever or other symptoms, can also contribute to headaches.
It’s important to note that headaches can have various causes, and if you experience persistent or severe headaches along with other symptoms of tick-borne diseases, it is crucial to seek medical attention for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
4. Muscle and joint aches
Muscle and joint aches are commonly reported symptoms in individuals with tick-borne diseases.
These aches, also known as myalgia and arthralgia, respectively, can vary in intensity and distribution.
Tick-borne pathogens can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to muscle and joint inflammation and subsequent pain.
The inflammatory process can affect the muscles, tendons, and joints, resulting in generalized or localized discomfort.
Additionally, the immune response itself can contribute to muscle and joint aches as the body tries to fight off the infection.
Some tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, can specifically target the joints, leading to episodes of joint pain and swelling.
The severity and persistence of muscle and joint aches can vary depending on the specific tick-borne disease and individual factors.
Adequate rest, gentle exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications may help alleviate these symptoms, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
5. Rash
Rashes are a notable and often early symptom associated with certain tick-borne diseases.
The presence of a rash can provide valuable clues for diagnosis and prompt medical attention.
Lyme disease, for example, often presents with a distinctive rash known as erythema migrans (EM).
EM typically appears as a red, expanding rash at the site of the tick bite, resembling a bull’s-eye pattern.
However, it’s important to note that not all individuals with Lyme disease develop this characteristic rash.
Other tick-borne diseases may also cause rashes, although they may vary in appearance.
These rashes can range from small red spots or blotches to more generalized rashes throughout the body.
The presence of a rash suggests that the infectious agent has spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. We’ll discuss more on lymph nodes shortly.
6. Flu-like symptoms
Flu-like symptoms are frequently reported in individuals with tick-borne diseases and can include a range of manifestations similar to those seen in influenza infections.
These symptoms often resemble a common cold or flu and may include fever, chills, sweats, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and body aches.
Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis can present with flu-like symptoms.
The immune response triggered by the infection leads to the release of cytokines and other inflammatory substances, which can produce systemic symptoms akin to those experienced during a viral illness.
The severity and duration of these flu-like symptoms can vary depending on the specific tick-borne disease and individual factors.
It is important to differentiate tick-borne diseases from common viral infections, especially if you have been exposed to tick habitats or have had a tick bite.
7. Swollen lymph nodes
We touched on this symptom earlier. Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, can occur in individuals with tick-borne diseases.
Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system and play a crucial role in filtering out pathogens and producing immune cells.
When a tick-borne infection occurs, the immune system responds by activating the lymph nodes near the site of the infection or in other areas of the body.
This immune response can cause the lymph nodes to enlarge and become tender to the touch.
Swollen lymph nodes associated with tick-borne diseases are often found near the location of the tick bite, but they can also occur in other areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin.
The size, tenderness, and number of swollen lymph nodes can vary depending on the specific tick-borne disease and individual factors.
It is important to monitor the swollen lymph nodes and seek medical attention, as persistent or worsening lymphadenopathy may indicate a more severe infection or the need for further evaluation and treatment.
8. Neurological symptoms
Any neurological symptoms can be a significant symptom of tick-borne diseases, particularly in cases of certain infections like Lyme disease.
The bacteria responsible for Lyme disease can invade the central nervous system, leading to various neurological symptoms.
Facial paralysis, known as Bell’s palsy, can occur when the facial nerve becomes inflamed or damaged.
Numbness or tingling sensations, also known as paresthesias, can affect the extremities and may be accompanied by shooting or radiating pain.
Some individuals may experience difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or a feeling of mental fogginess, commonly referred to as “brain fog.”
Additionally, dizziness, coordination issues, and muscle weakness can occur due to the involvement of the peripheral nervous system.
In severe cases, inflammation developing in the brain or spinal cord can lead to more serious neurological complications.
These neurological symptoms may arise due to the direct effects of the tick-borne pathogens on the nervous system or the immune response elicited against the infection.
As with all the symptoms we’ve discussed, seeking prompt medical attention for this is crucial.
9. Digestive issues
Often, digestive issues can be observed in some individuals with tick-borne diseases.
While not all tick-borne illnesses directly affect the gastrointestinal system, certain infections can lead to digestive symptoms.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and discomfort.
The underlying mechanisms for these digestive issues can vary depending on the specific tick-borne disease.
In some cases, the infection may cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Additionally, the immune response triggered by the infection can also contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms.
In certain tick-borne diseases, the pathogens can directly affect the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestive disturbances.
It is important to note that digestive symptoms may not be present in all cases of tick-borne diseases, and the severity and duration can vary.
10. Cardiac abnormalities
One of the known and potential symptoms of tick-borne diseases is cardiac abnormalities. These can occur in certain tick-borne diseases, particularly in cases of Lyme disease. Lyme disease can affect the heart and lead to various cardiac symptoms.
One of the most commonly observed cardiac complications is Lyme carditis, which involves inflammation of the heart muscle and the electrical system.
This inflammation can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), chest pain, and shortness of breath.
In some cases, individuals may also experience dizziness or fainting spells.
The exact mechanisms by which Lyme disease affects the heart are not fully understood. However, it’s believed that the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease directly invade heart tissues or trigger an immune response that affects the heart.
Prompt medical attention is crucial if you experience cardiac symptoms following a tick bite or suspect a tick-borne illness.
Summary of the symptoms of tick-borne diseases in humans
As we’ve outlined above, tick-borne diseases in humans can manifest with a variety of symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that the specific symptoms can vary depending on the particular tick-borne disease and individual factors.
Prompt medical attention is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and management of any potential complications associated with tick-borne diseases.
