What will happen if a tick is not noticed on the body? - briefly
An undetected attached tick can remain attached for days, during which it may transmit pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi, potentially causing Lyme disease or other infections that produce fever, rash, and joint pain.
What will happen if a tick is not noticed on the body? - in detail
An undetected tick can remain attached for several days, during which it may inject saliva containing pathogens. The longer the attachment, the higher the probability of transmission.
Pathogens commonly transmitted include:
- Borrelia burgdorferi – the bacterium that causes Lyme disease; infection risk rises sharply after 36‑48 hours of attachment. Early signs may appear as a circular rash, fever, fatigue, and joint pain.
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – responsible for anaplasmosis; symptoms develop within 1‑2 weeks and can include high fever, muscle aches, and headache.
- Babesia microti – a protozoan causing babesiosis; may lead to hemolytic anemia, chills, and jaundice, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Tick‑borne encephalitis virus – can provoke meningitis‑like symptoms after an incubation period of 7‑14 days.
- Rickettsia spp. – agents of spotted fever; present with fever, rash, and potentially severe vascular damage.
If the bite is missed, the skin may show only a small puncture or a faint erythema, making it difficult to recognize. Without removal, the tick continues feeding, increasing the inoculum of any present microorganisms. Systemic infection may progress silently, leading to chronic manifestations such as persistent joint inflammation, neurologic deficits, or cardiac involvement (e.g., Lyme carditis). Delayed diagnosis often requires longer courses of antibiotics and carries a higher risk of irreversible tissue damage.
Clinical evaluation of a suspected unnoticed attachment involves:
- Thorough skin examination, focusing on hidden areas (scalp, behind ears, groin).
- Laboratory testing based on regional tick‑borne disease prevalence: serology for Borrelia, PCR for Babesia, complete blood count for anemia, and liver function tests for systemic involvement.
- Imaging or electrophysiological studies if neurologic symptoms emerge.
Treatment protocols depend on the identified pathogen. Early‑stage Lyme disease typically responds to a 2‑4‑week doxycycline regimen; later stages may require intravenous antibiotics. Anaplasmosis and babesiosis also respond to doxycycline, with babesiosis often combined with atovaquone‑azithromycin. Viral encephalitis lacks specific antivirals; management focuses on supportive care and monitoring for complications.
Prevention after an unnoticed bite includes:
- Prompt removal of any attached arthropod, using fine tweezers to grasp the mouthparts close to the skin and pulling steadily.
- Documentation of the removal date to estimate attachment duration.
- Initiation of prophylactic doxycycline within 72 hours of removal when local infection rates exceed 20 % and the tick has fed ≥36 hours, as recommended by health authorities.
In summary, failure to detect a feeding tick elevates the chance of acquiring serious infections, delays therapeutic intervention, and increases the likelihood of long‑term health consequences. Immediate identification, removal, and appropriate medical assessment are essential to mitigate these risks.