Who to contact if a tick is found? - briefly
Call your primary care physician or local health department promptly. For urgent guidance, contact the regional poison‑control hotline or emergency services.
Who to contact if a tick is found? - in detail
If a tick is discovered attached to skin, remove it promptly with fine‑point tweezers, grasping close to the mouthparts and pulling straight upward. Clean the bite area with antiseptic and note the date of removal.
The first medical contact should be the patient’s regular physician. If the bite occurred in a region known for tick‑borne illnesses and symptoms such as fever, rash, or joint pain appear, seek care at an urgent‑care clinic or emergency department without delay.
Public‑health authorities provide guidance and surveillance. Contact the local health department to report the encounter and obtain region‑specific advice. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a 24‑hour hotline (1‑800‑CDC‑INFO) for inquiries about tick‑borne disease risk and testing.
For animal bites, call the veterinarian who treats the pet or livestock. Veterinarians can assess the animal’s exposure, administer prophylactic treatment, and advise on additional steps for the owner.
Workers who encounter ticks in the field should inform their occupational‑health office or safety manager. Employers often have protocols for post‑exposure evaluation and may coordinate with local health agencies.
Key contacts
- Primary care provider or urgent‑care clinic
- Emergency department (if severe symptoms)
- Local health department (reporting and guidance)
- CDC hotline: 1‑800‑CDC‑INFO
- Veterinarian (for pets or livestock)
- Occupational‑health office or employer safety officer
Document the tick’s appearance, removal time, and any subsequent symptoms. Provide this information to each contact to facilitate accurate assessment and appropriate follow‑up.