What to do if fever rises after a tick bite? - briefly
Contact a healthcare professional promptly for evaluation and possible antibiotic therapy, such as doxycycline, to treat potential tick‑borne infections. Continue monitoring temperature and report any worsening symptoms without delay.
What to do if fever rises after a tick bite? - in detail
If a temperature increase follows a tick attachment, immediate evaluation is essential. Begin by confirming the bite site: remove the tick with fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible, and pull straight upward without twisting. Disinfect the area with an antiseptic solution after extraction.
Monitor the patient for the following indicators, which may suggest a systemic infection:
- Fever persisting above 38 °C (100.4 °F) for more than 24 hours
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
- Muscle or joint pain, especially in the lower back or knees
- Rash, particularly a red expanding lesion or a “bull’s‑eye” pattern
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue or confusion
If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical care without delay. Healthcare providers will typically:
- Conduct a thorough physical examination, focusing on the bite site and neurological status.
- Order laboratory tests, such as complete blood count, liver function panel, and serologic assays for tick‑borne pathogens (e.g., Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia).
- Initiate empiric antibiotic therapy, most commonly doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 10–14 days, unless contraindicated.
- Provide supportive treatment for fever, using antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, while avoiding aspirin in children.
Do not rely on over‑the‑counter remedies alone. Document the date of the bite, the geographic region, and any travel history, as these details guide pathogen identification. Follow up with the clinician to confirm resolution of symptoms and to repeat testing if the fever persists beyond the treatment course. Early intervention reduces the risk of complications such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or anaplasmosis.