What will happen if a tick is not removed from a person after a bite? - briefly
If a tick remains attached, it can transmit pathogens such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) or Anaplasma within hours to days, leading to fever, rash, joint pain, or more severe systemic illness. Prompt removal reduces the risk of infection and prevents potential complications.
What will happen if a tick is not removed from a person after a bite? - in detail
Leaving an engorged tick attached for an extended period creates a direct pathway for pathogens present in the arthropod’s salivary glands to enter the host’s bloodstream. The longer the parasite remains, the higher the probability that infectious agents will be transmitted.
The most common consequences include:
- Bacterial infections – Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) typically requires at least 24‑48 hours of attachment before transmission. Symptoms may begin with erythema migrans, followed by fever, arthralgia, and neurological signs if untreated. Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever) can be transferred after a shorter interval, leading to high fever, rash, and potential organ failure.
- Protozoan diseases – Babesia microti and Babesia divergens may be introduced, producing hemolytic anemia, chills, and fatigue. Early detection is crucial to avoid severe complications.
- Viral illnesses – Tick‑borne encephalitis virus can cause meningitis‑like manifestations, seizures, and long‑term cognitive deficits.
- Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis – These intracellular bacteria produce sudden fever, headache, and leukopenia, often progressing to severe respiratory distress if not managed promptly.
- Neurological complications – In rare cases, prolonged attachment can result in tick‑borne paralysis due to neurotoxins, presenting as ascending muscle weakness and respiratory compromise.
- Local tissue damage – Mechanical irritation may cause ulceration, secondary bacterial infection, or chronic dermatitis at the bite site.
Risk escalates with each additional hour of attachment. Studies show that a 72‑hour‑old tick transmits Borrelia in up to 90 % of cases, while a 24‑hour‑old tick transmits it in less than 5 % of encounters. Prompt extraction therefore dramatically reduces the chance of disease acquisition.
If a tick is not removed and infection develops, treatment typically involves:
- Antibiotic therapy – Doxycycline is first‑line for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and rickettsial infections; alternative agents include amoxicillin or cefuroxime for specific indications.
- Antiparasitic medication – Atovaquone plus azithromycin is recommended for babesiosis; severe cases may require exchange transfusion.
- Supportive care – Hydration, fever control, and monitoring of organ function are essential, especially in severe rickettsial or viral encephalitis presentations.
- Neurological evaluation – Persistent headaches, cognitive changes, or motor deficits warrant imaging and specialist referral.
Early recognition of systemic signs—fever, rash, joint pain, neurological deficits—combined with a history of a recent tick bite should prompt immediate medical assessment. Delay in diagnosis increases the likelihood of chronic sequelae, including persistent arthritis, neuropathy, or organ damage.