Tick-bourne Diseases

This passage discusses different diseases that can be carried by ticks.

Lexile Level: 1220L

Categories: Sports & Health Animals & Nature

Spring and summer are seasons for getting outdoors and exploring nature; however, nature can sometimes be dangerous and even deadly. Tiny bugs called ticks can bite animals and humans, spreading harmful bacteria, which cause illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis. Symptoms of a tick-borne disease may appear 3 to 30 days after the tick bites you. You might feel like you have the flu with symptoms like chills, body aches, swollen lymph nodes (below your ears), and fever. Also, a rash may appear on your skin where the tick bit you. If you find a tick on your body, use a pair of fine tweezers to pull it off your skin. Do not use petroleum jelly or heat to smother or burn off a tick. Most tick-borne diseases are treated successfully with antibiotics. To prevent tick bites, use insect repellents containing DEET and wear long sleeves and long pants when you walk in the woods.