Know the symptoms of these tick-borne diseases

This list does not include all the diseases that ticks can transmit (there are many), but we have tried to include the most common, as well as a few diseases that have received some media coverage. If someone dies of a rare disease transmitted by ticks, local news is sure he. But it is important to remember that rare diseases are rare. You do not need to panic, but you should probably use an insect repellent and check for ticks yourself.

Many tick-borne diseases are difficult to diagnose because they are rare and the symptoms are not always very specific. If you have a fever and do not know why, consult your doctor and do not forget to mention if you have recently found a tick encrusted in your skin.

Lyme disease

Is it common? It is one of the most common tick-borne diseases, with 8.7 confirmed cases per 100,000 population per year in the United States. But it's an average – in some states, like Vermont, the rate is 10 times higher.

Where can you catch it? Lyme disease is more prevalent in the northeastern United States and in the Great Lakes region, although cases are scattered in other parts of the country.

What are the symptoms? Fever, headache, fatigue and, often, but not always, rash-shaped rash surrounding the bite. These symptoms can appear days or weeks after being bitten. Later, there may be joint pain, numbness, tingling, and facial palsy. It can be treated with antibiotics.

babesiosis

Is it common? Compared to Lyme, it is rare, with less than 1 case per 100,000 population per year in the states where it occurs.

Where can you catch it? The range is similar to that of Lyme, the cases being the most common in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey and New England.

What are the symptoms? A few weeks to a few months after the tick bite, symptoms may include fever, malaise, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and loss of appetite. The disease is caused by a parasite, Babesia microtiwho lives in red blood cells. Many people will never notice it, but in people with weakened immune systems, it can be serious or even fatal. It can be treated with antibiotics.

ehrlichiosis

Is it common? This is rare, with only 1,642 cases reported in 2017.

Where can you catch it? No matter where in the range of the Lone Star tick, which is found in the eastern half of the United States, especially in the Southeast.

What are the symptoms? Fever, headaches and muscle aches can begin about a week or two after the bite. In severe cases, the disease can affect the brain and cause confusion. Ehrlichiosis can become severe or fatal in some people if it is not treated. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Purple Fever

Is it common? There have been more than 6,000 cases in 2017, which is still quite rare – about 17 cases per million people in the states where it is most prevalent.

Where can you catch it? Almost anywhere in the United States, but the states where it is most prevalent are North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Missouri.

What are the symptoms? Fever, headache, muscle and stomach pains, occurring two to five days after the bite. If left untreated, this disease (and its close relatives, known as spotted fever rickettsioses) can be life threatening. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Tularemia

Is it common? It is rare. In the United States, there are only a few hundred cases a year. This is one of the few tick-borne diseases to be less common.

Where can you catch it? Everywhere in the United States, but it's more common in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma … and Martha's Vineyard, for whatever reason.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, headache, joint pain and weakness beginning a few days after the tick bite. In rare cases, it can become life threatening. It can be treated with antibiotics.

Powassan virus

Is it common? Very rare, with only 33 cases reported in 2017.

Where can you catch it? In the United States, it is most commonly found in the Northeast and the Great Lakes region.

What are the symptoms? Fever, headaches and vomiting are early symptoms, but in severe cases they can lead to brain inflammation that can be fatal.

Bourbon virus and Heartland virus

Is it common? Extremely rare, if you read the recent article about the Bourbon virus that called it a "mysterious killer virus", it's not time to panic. The CDC has counted 30 cases, in total, of Heartland viruses so far. Both are so rare that they are not yet well understood.

What are the symptoms? Fever, fatigue, headache, body aches and nausea seem to be the first common symptoms.