What is the disease after a tick bite called? - briefly
The illness most often associated with a tick bite is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Other tick‑borne infections, such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis, may also occur.
What is the disease after a tick bite called? - in detail
Lyme disease is the most common illness transmitted by a tick bite in temperate regions. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi enters the skin during feeding and may spread to the bloodstream, joints, heart, and nervous system. Early manifestations include a circular rash known as erythema migrans, fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. If untreated, disseminated infection can cause arthritis, facial palsy, meningitis, and carditis. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation and serologic testing for specific antibodies; polymerase chain reaction may confirm infection in joint fluid or cerebrospinal fluid. Standard therapy consists of doxycycline for adults and children over eight years; amoxicillin or cefuroxime serve as alternatives for younger patients or those with contraindications. Treatment duration ranges from two to four weeks, with longer courses for severe manifestations.
Other tick‑borne illnesses may follow a bite, each with distinct epidemiology and clinical picture:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever: caused by Rickettsia rickettsii; fever, rash beginning on wrists and ankles, headache; doxycycline recommended.
- Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis: caused by Ehrlichia and Anaplasma species; fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia; doxycycline effective.
- Babesiosis: protozoan infection by Babesia microti; hemolytic anemia, fever, chills; treated with atovaquone plus azithromycin or clindamycin plus quinine.
- Tick‑borne relapsing fever: Borrelia species; recurrent fever spikes, headache; tetracycline or erythromycin therapy.
- Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever: Nairovirus; high fever, hemorrhage; supportive care, ribavirin in some cases.
Prevention focuses on avoidance and prompt removal of attached ticks. Protective measures include wearing long sleeves, applying EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and inspecting clothing and skin after outdoor activity. Ticks should be grasped with fine‑pointed tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pulled straight upward; prolonged attachment increases pathogen transmission risk. Regular landscaping to reduce tick habitat and vaccination for dogs in endemic areas further lower exposure.