Ticks and Illness: Lyme Disease and Powassan Virus

With the warmer weather finally here, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. However, as we spend more time in nature, we also need to be aware of an unwelcome visitor: ticks. Ticks are more active in the spring and summer months, and with them comes an increased risk of tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Powassan virus (POW).

What Are Tick-Borne Illnesses?

Ticks are small, blood-sucking insects that can transmit diseases to humans. Two of the most common tick-borne illnesses in the United States are Lyme disease and Powassan virus (POW). Lyme disease is caused by bacteria, while POW is a viral infection. Both diseases are primarily spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick.

Lyme disease can cause a distinctive bullseye-shaped rash, arthritis, or even heart issues like Lyme carditis. Powassan virus, on the other hand, can affect the central nervous system and cause severe conditions like meningitis and encephalitis.

How to Prevent Tick Bites

Tick prevention is crucial for families who spend time outdoors, especially in areas where ticks are common. Here are some tips to keep your family safe:

• Avoid tick-heavy areas: Try to stay away from tall grass, brush, and leaf piles, where ticks are most likely to be found.
• Wear protective clothing: Dress your child in light-colored clothes, long sleeves and pants to make it easier to spot ticks. For clothing, you can use permethrin, a repellent designed specifically for fabric.
• Use tick repellents: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends repellents with no more than 30% DEET for children as young as two months, as they are safe when used properly and highly effective at preventing tick bites.
• Check for ticks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your child’s body and hair for ticks. Bathing as soon as possible can also help remove any ticks before they attach.

Do All Ticks Carry Disease?

While ticks are common, it’s important to note that not all ticks carry diseases. The likelihood of a tick transmitting Lyme disease or POW depends on how long it’s been attached to the skin. For Lyme disease, the tick generally needs to be attached for 24-48 hours to transmit the bacterium. However, POW can be transmitted much more quickly—within just 15 minutes of attachment.

The good news is that with prompt tick removal, the risk of transmission can be minimized. The proper way to remove a tick is by using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, then pull straight upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. After removal of the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer. (see figure above, from the CDC)

Recognizing Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illnesses

If your child has been exposed to ticks and shows signs of illness within 1-30 days, it’s important to consider tick-borne diseases. Symptoms to watch for include:

If you notice any of these symptoms after a tick bite or potential exposure, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider.

When Should I Test My Child for Tick-Borne Illness?

If you’ve found a tick on your child or if they are showing symptoms of a tick-borne illness, it’s important to consult your doctor. In cases of Lyme disease, early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective and leads to a quick recovery. Unfortunately, there is no specific medication for POW, but doctors can help manage symptoms.

If a tick has been attached for 36 hours or more, your doctor may consider administering a preventive dose of antibiotics to reduce the risk of Lyme disease.