What should I do if a child has a fever after a tick bite? - briefly
Seek immediate medical evaluation for the child’s fever. Monitor the temperature, note any emerging rash or flu‑like symptoms, and inform a healthcare professional without delay.
What should I do if a child has a fever after a tick bite? - in detail
A child who develops a fever after a tick attachment requires prompt evaluation. Begin by confirming that the tick is still attached; if so, remove it with fine‑point tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible, pulling straight upward without twisting. Disinfect the bite site with an antiseptic and wash hands thoroughly.
Observe the child’s temperature at least every four hours. Record the highest reading, the time it began, and any accompanying symptoms such as headache, rash, joint pain, fatigue, or nausea. Fever that persists beyond 24–48 hours, exceeds 38.5 °C (101.3 °F), or is accompanied by a rash (especially a “bull’s‑eye” erythema) warrants immediate medical attention.
Contact a pediatrician or visit an urgent‑care clinic if any of the following occur:
- Fever lasting more than two days.
- Appearance of a red expanding rash at the bite site or elsewhere.
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, or neurological changes.
- Joint swelling, severe muscle aches, or difficulty walking.
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
When the clinician evaluates the child, expect a detailed history of the bite (date, location, duration of attachment) and a physical examination focused on skin lesions, lymph nodes, and neurological status. Laboratory testing may include:
- Complete blood count to detect inflammation.
- Serologic assays for Lyme disease, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, depending on regional prevalence.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) if early infection is suspected.
If a tick‑borne infection is confirmed or strongly suspected, treatment typically involves a course of doxycycline (for children older than eight years) or amoxicillin (for younger children) for Lyme disease, and appropriate antibiotics for other pathogens. Supportive care includes antipyretics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, adequate hydration, and rest.
Educate caregivers on preventive measures: use EPA‑registered repellents, dress children in long sleeves and pants, perform daily tick checks after outdoor activities, and promptly remove any attached ticks. Early detection and treatment reduce the risk of complications such as arthritis, neurological deficits, or cardiac involvement.