How dangerous is a tick bite and what diseases can it cause?!

Most of the ticks common in Georgia are not disease carriers; however, there are tick species that can cause serious illnesses as a result of a bite. These include Borreliosis (Lyme disease) and the particularly dangerous Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever. The geographical location and the duration of the tick's stay on the human body must be taken into account.

Ticks mainly inhabit forests, fields, tall grass, and humid environments. We must keep in mind that during hiking or picnicking, there is always a risk of a tick getting onto the human body. Therefore, its timely and correct removal is of decisive importance.

Main Diseases Caused by Tick Bites

A tick bite can cause the following serious diseases:

Borreliosis (Lyme Disease) - Symptoms and Progression In the early stage of Borreliosis (from a few days up to 3 weeks), migrating erythema appears, the so-called "Bull's Eye," which is characterized by burning and itching. The following may manifest:

• Headache

• Neck stiffness

• Migratory pain of the musculoskeletal system (arthralgia)

• Severe weakness

• Cardiological changes

In case of incomplete treatment or no treatment at all, a later infection may develop, which manifests months or years later. It is characterized by:

• Skin damage

• Chronic arthralgia

• Chronic encephalomyelitis

• Polyradiculopathy

• Ataxia

• Chronic neuroborreliosis

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever - A Particular Threat This particularly dangerous disease begins 1-3 days after the tick bite and is characterized by an acute course:

• Fever, chills

• Headache

• Weakness

• Joint and muscle pain

• Conjunctivitis

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

Subsequently, a petechial rash appears, along with bleeding from the gums and nose, and bloody sputum, urine, and stool. In case of delayed diagnosis and treatment, the disease often ends with a lethal outcome.

How to Act in Case of a Tick Bite?

Correct Removal of the Tick - Why is Specialist Intervention Important? To prevent diseases, it is necessary to immediately consult a specialist, an infectious disease doctor, in case a bite or a tick attached to the skin is discovered. This ensures:

• Correct assessment

• Diagnosis

• Planning of research or treatment schemes

It is advisable to consult a specialist because removing the tick arbitrarily and incorrectly can cause complications. For example, when gripping with tweezers incorrectly, we might remove only the tick's body while the head remains in the bite.

What Should We Not Do When Removing a Tick?

It is categorically unacceptable to use incorrect methods widespread among the public:

• Applying oil

• Applying alcohol

• Applying a lit match

In this case, the risk of infection increases even further, as a large amount of infected saliva may be expelled into the bite area.

Prevention and the Importance of Timely Diagnosis

Thus, in case of a tick bite, it is crucial to consult the appropriate specialist in a timely manner so that timely diagnosis of the disease occurs and serious complications are avoided.

Article Author: Nino Alkhazishvili - Infectious Disease Physician at the Academician Vakhtang Bochorishvili Clinic.