Tick-borne diseases in humans are illnesses caused by pathogens transmitted to humans through the bites of infected ticks. But what different types are there and how do they work?
As providers of support services cited in the HHS report on access to care services for tick-borne diseases, we are well-placed to provide further information on tick-borne diseases …and the support available for them.
Here’s a quick answer before we head into more detail…
Common tick-borne diseases in the United States include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and the Powassan virus disease. Less common tick-borne diseases include Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness).
That’s the quick list, but just providing a list of names won’t help much unless you understand what causes them and how they manifest. So next we’ll go into a bit more detail on each of the common tick-0borne diseases in humans.
Common tick-borne diseases in humans
Ticks are small arachnids that feed on the blood of animals, including humans. They can transmit various disease-causing microorganisms during their feeding process. Some common tick-borne diseases in humans include:
- Lyme disease: Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks). Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF): RMSF is caused by the bacterium (Rickettsia rickettsii). It’s primarily transmitted by the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, and brown dog tick. Symptoms can include fever, headache, rash, muscle pain, and fatigue.
- Ehrlichiosis: Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by several species of ticks. This includes the lone star tick and the black-legged tick. Symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and confusion.
- Babesiosis: Babesiosis is caused by parasites of the genus Babesia. They are transmitted primarily by the black-legged tick. It can cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches. These symptoms can be severe, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
- Anaplasmosis: Anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and is transmitted by black-legged ticks and the western black-legged tick. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and fatigue.
- Powassan virus disease: Powassan virus is a rare but potentially serious tick-borne illness transmitted by the black-legged tick and the groundhog tick. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological problems, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Other tick-borne diseases in humans
These are just a few examples of tick-borne diseases, and there are other less common ones as well, such as Colorado tick fever, tularemia, STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness), Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, and tularemia.
More and rarer tick-borne diseases are being identified more often, so it is important to be aware of potential tick-borne illnesses and common symptoms if you spend time outdoors, especially in areas where ticks are more likely to be located.
Which is the most common tick-borne disease and why?
The most common tick-borne disease in many regions of the United States and Europe is Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected black-legged ticks (also known as deer ticks).
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of Lyme disease:
- Distribution of infected ticks: Black-legged ticks, which carry the Lyme disease-causing bacteria, are found in many areas where the disease is endemic. These ticks are particularly prevalent in wooded and grassy areas, where they can easily come into contact with humans and animals.
- High tick population: Ticks, including black-legged ticks, have been expanding their geographic range in recent years. This expansion has led to increased human exposure to ticks and a higher risk of contracting Lyme disease.
- Human exposure: Lyme disease is more common in areas where there is a high interaction between humans and tick-infested environments. Outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, gardening, and other recreational activities, can increase the chances of encountering infected ticks.
- Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis: Lyme disease can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms can mimic other conditions. Additionally, laboratory testing for Lyme disease is not always conclusive, leading to potential underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of cases.
It’s important to note that the prevalence of tick-borne diseases can vary by region. In different parts of the world, other tick-borne diseases may be more common due to variations in tick species and the pathogens they carry.
Next, we’ll go through how tick-borne diseases in humans can occur.
How do humans get Lyme disease?
Humans can get Lyme disease through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus), which are commonly referred to as deer ticks.
These ticks become infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi when they feed on infected animals, primarily mice and deer. The transmission of Lyme disease to humans occurs as follows:
- Tick bite: When an infected tick bites a human, it attaches itself to the skin and begins to feed on the blood. The tick must remain attached for a certain period, typically between 24 and 48 hours, to transmit the bacteria.
- Bacterial transmission: If the tick is infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream of the human host during the feeding process. The bacteria travel from the tick’s gut through its saliva and into the human’s skin.
- Early infection: In the initial stage, the bacteria may stay localized in the skin around the tick bite and form a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. However, not all cases of Lyme disease present with a rash, so it’s essential to be aware of other symptoms as well. Here are the main stages of Lyme disease.
- Spread throughout the body: If left untreated, the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body, potentially affecting the joints, heart, nervous system, and other organs. This can lead to more severe symptoms and complications.
Hints and tips regarding tick-borne diseases in humans
It’s important to note that not all ticks carry Lyme disease-causing bacteria, and not all tick bites result in infection.
Taking preventive measures can help. These include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities, and promptly removing attached ticks. These precautions can help reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
What to do if you think you have a tick-borne disease?
If you suspect you have a tick-borne disease or have been bitten by a tick and are experiencing symptoms, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: Contact a healthcare professional promptly, such as your primary care physician or a healthcare provider specializing in infectious diseases. Describe your symptoms and mention your potential exposure to ticks or tick bites. They will evaluate your condition, perform a physical examination, and may order diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
- Preserve the tick (if possible): Try to safely remove the tick using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Place the tick in a sealed container and if possible, note the date of the bite. Preserving the tick can be helpful for identification purposes and testing.
- Provide detailed information: When you visit a healthcare provider, provide them with as much information as possible. Describe your symptoms, including when they started and any patterns you have noticed. Inform them about any potential exposure to ticks, recent outdoor activities, and any travel to areas known for tick-borne diseases. This information can assist in diagnosing and treating your condition appropriately.
- Follow medical advice and treatment: Depending on the specific tick-borne disease suspected or diagnosed, your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate course of treatment. This may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other supportive measures. Follow their advice closely, take prescribed medications as directed, and complete the full course of treatment.
- Prevent further tick bites: Take measures to prevent future tick bites. Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, wear protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes), and conduct thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas. Promptly remove any attached ticks using fine-tipped tweezers.
Early detection is key
Remember, early detection and treatment of tick-borne diseases in humans can significantly improve outcomes. If you have concerns or suspect you have a tick-borne illness, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Once you have a prescription for suitable medication, enroll with Prescription Hope and you could obtain each medication for as little $60.00 per month month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service per medication via our medication access service.
Tick-borne diseases in humans – Next steps
Access to support for those who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, or other Tick-borne diseases is available.
As a named HHS support service for tick-borne diseases, Prescription Hope can help.
We work with the top pharmacies in the US to provide affordable medications. So we can help you get access to the treatments you need through our medication access service.
