What should be done if a child is bitten by a tick that causes borreliosis? - briefly
Immediately remove the tick with fine tweezers, clean the bite area, and obtain medical evaluation for possible prophylactic doxycycline within 72 hours. Monitor the child for fever, rash, or joint pain and report any symptoms promptly.
What should be done if a child is bitten by a tick that causes borreliosis? - in detail
If a child is found with a tick that may transmit the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, remove the parasite immediately. Use fine‑point tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the body. After removal, clean the bite area with antiseptic soap or alcohol and wash hands thoroughly.
Assess the situation promptly. Note the tick’s attachment time; bites lasting more than 36 hours carry higher infection risk. Identify the tick species, if possible, because Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes ricinus are the primary vectors. Record the geographic region, as endemic areas increase the likelihood of transmission.
Seek medical evaluation without delay. A healthcare professional will examine the child, consider prophylactic treatment, and may order serologic testing. Current guidelines recommend a single dose of doxycycline (4 mg/kg, max 200 mg) administered within 72 hours of removal for children older than 8 years when the tick was attached ≥36 hours and the region is high‑risk. For younger children, amoxicillin (50 mg/kg/day divided three times) is the preferred prophylaxis.
If infection is confirmed, initiate a full antibiotic course. Recommended regimens include:
- Doxycycline: 4 mg/kg twice daily for 21 days (children ≥8 years).
- Amoxicillin: 50 mg/kg/day divided three times for 21 days (children <8 years).
- Cefuroxime axetil: 30 mg/kg/day divided twice daily for 21 days (alternative for those intolerant to the above).
Monitor the child throughout treatment. Observe for erythema migrans, fever, fatigue, joint pain, or neurological signs. Document any adverse drug reactions. After completing therapy, schedule a follow‑up visit to verify symptom resolution and evaluate for late manifestations such as arthritis or neuroborreliosis.
Prevent future incidents by teaching proper clothing, use of repellents containing 20 % DEET or picaridin, and regular skin checks after outdoor activities in tick‑infested areas. Immediate removal and timely medical care remain the most effective measures to reduce the risk of Lyme disease complications in children.