How Do You Know If a Tick Has a Disease?

by Jennifer Smith May 03, 2019

There are over 40 tick species in Canada; and when one finds an embedded tick in the skin, a natural reaction is to panic. After all, a bug is latched-on - ew! It is highly recommended that the tick is removed as quickly as possible with a tick remover tool (not fingernail polish, lighter fluid or finger tips) while remaining calm.

There is no way of knowing ahead of time whether or not a tick is carrying a tick disease such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Bourbon Virus or the Powassan Virus.

The red, itchy rash with a "bulls-eye" marking is the most common sign of Lyme Disease; however, other signs include feeling lethargic, tired, weak and over all, sick. Doctors often misdiagnose Lyme with the common cold or flu because Lyme symptoms are so similar.

Other symptoms of tick-borne diseases include:

Fevers
Headaches
Muscle Aches
Ulcers caused by Tularemia
Paralysis from tick saliva - rare

Victims of tick bites will have less than 48 hours to remove a tick before the possible transmission of Lyme. Don't delay! Lyme Disease, and other tick infections, can leave lifelong damages to the body.

#LymeDiseaseAwarenessMonth