What should you do if Borrelia is found in a tick? - briefly
Consult a healthcare professional promptly for evaluation and possible prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Follow the prescribed treatment regimen without delay.
What should you do if Borrelia is found in a tick? - in detail
If a tick removed from a person tests positive for Borrelia, the first action is to document the finding and inform a health‑care professional promptly. Record the date of the bite, the location on the body, and any symptoms that have appeared since the exposure.
The medical evaluation should include:
- A thorough physical examination focusing on skin lesions, joint swelling, and neurological signs.
- Laboratory testing such as enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) followed by Western blot to confirm infection.
- Assessment of risk factors, including duration of tick attachment and geographic prevalence of Lyme disease.
When infection is confirmed, standard therapy consists of oral doxycycline for adults and children over eight years old, typically 100 mg twice daily for 14‑21 days. Alternative regimens are:
- Amoxicillin 500 mg three times daily for 14‑21 days (for patients unable to take doxycycline).
- Cefuroxime axetil 500 mg twice daily for 14‑21 days (another doxycycline substitute).
Severe manifestations—such as meningitis, carditis, or arthritis unresponsive to oral agents—require intravenous ceftriaxone 2 g once daily for 14‑28 days.
Follow‑up care includes:
- Re‑evaluation at the end of treatment to verify symptom resolution.
- Repeat serologic testing only if clinical signs persist, since antibodies may remain elevated for months.
- Education on tick‑avoidance measures: use of repellents containing DEET or picaridin, wearing long sleeves and trousers in endemic areas, and performing daily tick checks after outdoor activities.
Prompt communication with health professionals, adherence to prescribed antibiotics, and diligent monitoring are essential to prevent progression of Lyme disease after a Borrelia‑positive tick is identified.