What must be done if a tick is infected with Lyme disease? - briefly
Promptly remove the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, disinfect the bite area, and seek medical evaluation for possible prophylactic antibiotic therapy within 72 hours of removal, especially if the tick is known to carry «Lyme disease».
What must be done if a tick is infected with Lyme disease? - in detail
When a tick is found to be carrying the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, immediate actions focus on removal, assessment, and treatment.
First, extract the tick promptly. Use fine‑tipped tweezers, grasp the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the body, which can release additional pathogens. After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic and store the tick in a sealed container for identification if needed.
Second, evaluate the risk of infection. Consider the tick’s species, developmental stage, duration of attachment (greater than 24 hours increases transmission probability), and geographic prevalence of Lyme disease. If any risk factor is present, initiate medical consultation without delay.
Third, initiate antimicrobial therapy according to established guidelines. For confirmed or highly suspected cases, prescribe doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 10–21 days) for adults and children over eight years. Alternative agents include amoxicillin or cefuroxime axetil for patients with contraindications to doxycycline. Early treatment reduces the likelihood of disseminated disease and long‑term complications.
Fourth, monitor for early symptoms such as erythema migrans, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain. If symptoms emerge, reassess the therapeutic regimen and consider extending the antibiotic course. Document all clinical findings and laboratory results, including serologic testing for Borrelia antibodies when appropriate.
Finally, implement preventive measures to reduce future exposure. Apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and pants in endemic areas, and conduct thorough body checks after outdoor activities. Regularly treat pets and landscaping to control tick populations.
These steps—prompt removal, risk assessment, evidence‑based antibiotic treatment, symptom surveillance, and preventive practices—constitute a comprehensive response to a tick infected with the Lyme‑causing organism.