Ticks are small parasites that prey on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. Most tick bites are painless and will only cause minor effects such as redness, swelling, or soreness on the skin. However, ticks may carry a range of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoans) that can cause an allergic reaction or serious illness. One of which is Lyme Disease.
Types of Ticks across Australia
Based on the latest report, there are over 70 species of ticks in Australia. Seventeen out of 70 different types are known to feed off humans. Most tick bites pose no long-term harm; however, children are at a much higher risk of tick bites. They can cause serious and harmful to children 7 and below, especially to the bites of paralysis ticks.
The most important tick in Australia is the Paralysis Tick with a scientific term of ‘Ixodes holocyclus’. Over 95% of tick bites in Eastern Australia and most tick-borne illnesses are due to this species.
The majority of Australian tick species present mainly on the east coast of Australia (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Sunshine Coast). In fact, the Gold Coast is named as one of Australia’s hot spots for tick bites. But there is also found a population of ticks in several non-coastal areas.
In 2017, there were serious concerns about tick outbreaks in Sydney. There was a major tick outbreak and it spread from South Sydney through the Hills, and onto the Northern Beaches. There is also one study from a hospital in the Northern beaches where ticks are found in huge numbers. Thirty-four out of the 500 people who presented with tick bites suffered anaphylaxis.
Tick bites became a serious health risk for both children and adults during both times.
Ticks are common all year round in Australia. But tick bites and diseases are especially active in warmer, humid months after the rainy season. Adult ticks are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November.
According to a study, thousands of Australian families have felt the impact of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases (TBDs). An estimate of 10,000 individuals is affected each year over the past three decades.
Too many Australians have suffered (and are still experiencing) the consequences of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne diseases. And without action, thousands of lives remain at risk. This is why first aid treatment for tick bites should be given in the first few minutes of the attack.
Lyme Disease and other TBDs
Lyme disease is a common deer tick-borne illness. In general, to transmit this type of disease, the tick needs to be attached to the human body for at least 36 hours.
While other tick-borne diseases can transfer and take effect in a few hours or even a few minutes.
If you have ever had a tick bite before, you will know how unpleasant it is. The feeling when one of these little bloodsuckers starts making a meal out of you. However, in some cases, people can experience more severe conditions. These conditions include tick paralysis or allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock.
Here are the common tick bite symptoms for tick Paralysis.
- Flu-like symptoms or fever
- Rash
- Headache
- Sore glands
- Unsteady walking or standing
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Weak limbs
- Paralysis in the face or other parts of the body
For anaphylaxis symptoms or allergic reaction to tick bites, look for the following:
- Swollen throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness or collapsing
Tick paralysis, while usually rare, is more common in children than adults. While anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions can result in swelling of the throat and may lead to breathing difficulties. Some TBDs can also cause a seizure (epilepsy), muscle weakness, dementia, and worse, death.
If such symptoms occur, First aid pro Sydney a first aid course provider gave some ideas on how to prepare but it is important to seek quick medical attention. If you experience similar symptoms from the list above after being bitten.
First Aid for Tick Bites
1. Remove the tick promptly and carefully.
Use tweezers or special hook-like tools that will grab the ‘head’ of the tick which are its mouthparts. Do not use household tweezers unless the fine-tipped ones are not available.
Then, grab the tick as close to the skin surface as possible. Apply steady pressure and pull the tick upwards. Avoid jerking or twisting the tick.
To help with the removal, spray the area with aerosol insect repellent containing pyrethrin or a pyrethroid chemical beforehand. Five squirts of a spray of the said aerosol will instantly freeze the tick to death.
2. If possible, seal the tick in a container.
Once the removal is successfully done, put the tick in a sealed container. Then, place the container in a cold secure area or the freezer. The doctor or emergency medical services may want to see the tick if you develop new symptoms.
3. Wash and clean the bite site.
These will help remove any tick residue from the skin, fending off bacteria and infections. Use warm water, soap, rubbing alcohol, iodine scrub when cleaning the bite site.
Note that if you suffer from anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to ticks, only attempt to remove it when you are at a medical facility such as a hospital emergency room. It will help you ready in case other complications happen when removing it, and help is easily available.
Seek immediate medical attention when:
- You have difficulty removing the tick.
- You suffer from any symptoms after removal.
- You experience increasing pain, swelling, and redness.
- You develop flu-like signs and symptoms.
- You think you were bitten by a deer tick (Lyme disease).
- The bite site has red streaks leading from the area.
- The tick bite has pus.
Lyme disease and other tick-borne disease remain a public health challenge that affects all Australians. The health of our children, our elderly, and our own immune systems are at most risk and most vulnerable to the impact. Our actions now will significantly impact the outcome and future potential of tick bite diseases. Learn first aid and fight against tick bites and other diseases.
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