What does an encephalitis tick look like on the body? - briefly
A tick that can transmit encephalitis appears as a tiny, oval, dark-brown or black parasite, often about the size of a sesame seed when unfed and expanding to a larger, pale, engorged form after feeding. The body is flat before feeding and becomes noticeably swollen and softer‑bodied once it has taken a blood meal.
What does an encephalitis tick look like on the body? - in detail
A tick capable of transmitting encephalitis appears as a small arachnid, typically 2–5 mm in length before feeding. The dorsal surface is oval and smooth, covered with a reddish‑brown to dark brown scutum (shield) that may have fine, irregular patterns. In the early attachment stage the body remains flat, legs clearly visible, and the mouthparts (hypostome) are not yet embedded.
During the first 24–48 hours of feeding the tick expands, becoming noticeably plumper. The scutum may darken to a deep brown or black, and the abdomen swells to a rounded, balloon‑like shape. Engorged specimens can reach 10–12 mm, with a grayish‑white or pale hue as blood fills the body. The legs remain short relative to the enlarged abdomen, and the tick may appear waxy or glossy.
Key visual cues indicating attachment include:
- A clear, raised mouthpart insertion point (a tiny dark pit) on the skin.
- A reddish halo around the attachment site, caused by localized inflammation.
- Presence of a “feeding tube” (the hypostome) protruding from the tick’s front, often visible under magnification.
- Absence of movement after the tick has settled; it remains firmly anchored.
Typical locations on humans are warm, hidden areas: scalp, behind ears, neck, armpits, groin, and between the legs. The tick’s coloration often matches the surrounding skin tone, making it easy to overlook without close inspection.
If a tick is found, removal should be performed promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward to avoid leaving mouthparts embedded. Early detection and removal reduce the risk of encephalitis‑related infection.