Who should you contact after a tick bite? - briefly
Call your primary care doctor or another qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible; if you notice a rash, fever, or other symptoms, also report the incident to your local or state health department.
Who should you contact after a tick bite? - in detail
If you have been bitten by a tick, the first step is to seek professional medical advice. Begin by contacting your primary care physician or an urgent‑care clinic; they can assess the bite, confirm proper removal, and evaluate the need for prophylactic antibiotics. If you cannot reach a regular doctor promptly, call a local urgent‑care center or walk‑in clinic for immediate evaluation.
Should you notice any of the following—rapid swelling, severe pain, fever, chills, a rash resembling a bull’s‑eye, or signs of an allergic reaction—call emergency services (dial 911) without delay. Anaphylaxis or a rapidly progressing infection warrants immediate hospital care.
For specialized guidance, especially if you live in an area where Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, or other tick‑borne illnesses are common, consider contacting:
- An infectious‑disease specialist
- Your state or local health department’s vector‑borne disease line
- The CDC’s 24‑hour hotline (1‑800‑CDC‑INFO)
If you experience a severe allergic response to the tick bite (e.g., hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat), also call the national poison‑control center at 1‑800‑222‑1222 for instructions while awaiting emergency responders.
Document the bite’s location, date, and any visible tick characteristics before the call; this information helps health professionals determine appropriate testing and treatment. After the initial consultation, follow all prescribed medication regimens and schedule any recommended follow‑up appointments to monitor for delayed symptoms.