|
 What are ticks?
Ticks are tiny parasites related to spiders and mites. They attach themselves to animals and humans and feed on their blood. Ticks live in woods, fields and brushy areas. They crawl onto animals and people from the tips of grass and shrubs. Ticks can attach to any part of the body. There are three species of ticks in Ohio that are known to transmit disease; the American dog tick, the black-legged tick (formerly called the deer tick) and the Lone Star tick.
The Black-legged tick is about the same size as the head of a pin and it is found in many parts of the United States. Black-legged ticks can transmit Lyme disease, especially those in New England & parts of the Midwest.
The dog tick is very common and can be up to one-half inch long. If you
have a dog, chances are pretty good that you’ve seen a dog tick on its coat. This type of tick can transmit a disease called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
The Lone Star tick is becoming more common in Ohio. The females can be recognized by a prominent white dot on the back. The Lone Star tick can transmit Ehrlichiosis.
If you've received a tick bite:
- Remove the tick promptly and carefully. Use tweezers to grasp the tick near its head or mouth and pull gently to remove the whole tick without crushing it.
- Use soap and water to wash your hands and the area around the tick bite after handling the tick.
- Call your doctor if you aren't able to completely remove the tick.
- If the tick is alive or in good condition it can be identified by the Ohio Department of Health. Click HERE for instructions to submit a tick to the Ohio Department of Health for identification.
See your doctor if you develop:
- A rash
- A fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches and weakness
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Flu-like symptoms
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you develop:
Click here to checkout what you need to know about ticks Brochure. |
- A severe headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Paralysis
- Chest pain or heart palpitations
Click HERE to learn more about ticks from the Ohio Department of Health.
Click HERE to for fact sheets and case maps of tick-borne diseases.
Click HERE to visit CDC web site for additional information.
|
