What happens if a tick bites and is not removed? - briefly
An attached tick can remain attached for days, allowing it to transmit pathogens such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or anaplasmosis and causing local skin inflammation. Delayed removal raises the likelihood of serious infection and systemic illness.
What happens if a tick bites and is not removed? - in detail
A tick that stays attached continues to feed on blood, enlarges, and secretes saliva containing anticoagulants, anti‑inflammatory agents, and a variety of microorganisms. Prolonged attachment increases the probability that pathogens will be transmitted to the host. The main consequences are:
- Lyme disease – Borrelia burgdorferi typically requires ≥36 hours of feeding before transmission; the longer the tick remains, the higher the bacterial load and the greater the risk of disseminated infection.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever – Rickettsia rickettsii can be transferred after 6–10 hours of attachment; delayed removal raises the chance of severe vasculitis and organ involvement.
- Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis – Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia chaffeensis are transmitted within 24 hours; delayed extraction may lead to febrile illness, leukopenia, and organ dysfunction.
- Babesiosis – Babesia microti requires several days of feeding; extended attachment can result in hemolytic anemia and systemic complications.
- Tick‑borne encephalitis – Viral particles may be introduced after 24–48 hours, potentially causing meningitis or encephalitis.
- Tick paralysis – Neurotoxins released in the tick’s saliva can impair neuromuscular transmission; symptoms often appear after 4–7 days of continuous feeding and resolve only after the tick is removed or dies.
- Local tissue damage – Mechanical injury from the mouthparts, prolonged inflammation, and secondary bacterial infection may develop at the bite site, producing ulceration or necrosis.
If the arthropod dies while still attached, its body may decompose in situ, provoking a granulomatous reaction and chronic dermatitis. In all cases, early extraction—ideally within a few hours—substantially lowers the probability of disease transmission and limits tissue injury. Prompt medical evaluation is advised when a tick is discovered after an extended period, especially if systemic symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, or muscle pain develop.