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Summer is in full swing and we have many things in progress outdoors. We are just past the Memorial Day Holiday, Fourth of July and we are currently in the Family Reunion swing. Many families will gather outdoors and the risk of attracting unwanted hitchhikers are a possibility. Ticks are so prevalent in the southern states it is nearly impossible to not come in contact with where tick are. Ticks are found in wooded, brushy areas; in tall grass; and in leaflitter on the ground. When engaging in activities in environments where ticks are likely to be, lower your risk for picking up a tick by using the following strategies published by the American Red Cross First Aid Course:
When it comes to Arkansas specifically the Arkansas Department of Health (http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/infectiousDisease/zoonoticDisease/TickborneDisease/Documents/TickBorneDiseaseBrochures.pdf)  has reported that Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most common tick-borne disease in Arkansas. RMSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. This bacterium is carried mostly by the American dog tick, Dermacentorvariabilis, but also by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalussanguineus. Not all ticks are infected. It takes an infected tick four to six hours to spread disease after attaching to the host. Adult ticks look for large hosts such as dogs, but they also feed on humans. Ticks are often found in overgrown lots and along weedy roadsides, paths and hiking trails. Most RMSF cases occur between June and August when tick populations and outdoor activities are highest. Half of all people with RMSF do not remember being bitten by a tick. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Symptoms and Treatment Symptoms of RMSF generally appear suddenly, about one week after an infected tick bite. However, there may be symptoms any time between 2 and 14 days after a bite. Symptoms include: • High fever • Headache • Muscle pain • Non-itchy, pink rash usually starting on the wrists, forearms and ankles It is important to get medical care as soon as possible if you think you have RMSF. Blood tests are required to diagnose RMSF, but treatment should begin as soon as symptoms and/or recent tick exposure suggest RMSF. I hope you will find the information regarding ticks and the most common tick-borne illness useful and remember some safety tips when you are outside in the elements. Stay away from the tall grass, keep covered and wear some bug spray when you are in wooded areas. Take precautions, have a healthy summer. Enjoy and be careful out there.
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Barbara Jackson worked through college as a non-traditional student earning her Master of Science degree in health science focusing in health education. Barbara then went on to set for her national credential exam in 2011 earning her CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) credential as well as being a Licensed Training Provider. Barbara has found her calling as a teacher and began working as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and became a CPR instructor for the Red Cross in 2007, since this time she has earned her teaching credential for American Heart Association and National Safety Council. Barbara is also an adjunct instructor for Arkansas Tech University teaching Responding to Emergencies: Comprehensive First Aid/CPR courses.
More articles by the writer
Summer is in full swing and we have many things in progress outdoors. We are just past the Memorial Day Holiday, Fourth of July and we are currently in the Family Reunion swing. Many families will gather outdoors and the risk of attracting unwanted hitchhikers are a possibility. Ticks are so prevalent in the southern states it is nearly impossible to not come in contact with where tick are. Ticks are found in wooded, brushy areas; in tall grass; and in leaflitter on the ground. When engaging in activities in environments where ticks are likely to be, lower your risk for picking up a tick by using the following strategies published by the American Red Cross First Aid Course:
When it comes to Arkansas specifically the Arkansas Department of Health (http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsServices/infectiousDisease/zoonoticDisease/TickborneDisease/Documents/TickBorneDiseaseBrochures.pdf)  has reported that Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is the most common tick-borne disease in Arkansas. RMSF is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. This bacterium is carried mostly by the American dog tick, Dermacentorvariabilis, but also by the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalussanguineus. Not all ticks are infected. It takes an infected tick four to six hours to spread disease after attaching to the host. Adult ticks look for large hosts such as dogs, but they also feed on humans. Ticks are often found in overgrown lots and along weedy roadsides, paths and hiking trails. Most RMSF cases occur between June and August when tick populations and outdoor activities are highest. Half of all people with RMSF do not remember being bitten by a tick. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Symptoms and Treatment Symptoms of RMSF generally appear suddenly, about one week after an infected tick bite. However, there may be symptoms any time between 2 and 14 days after a bite. Symptoms include: • High fever • Headache • Muscle pain • Non-itchy, pink rash usually starting on the wrists, forearms and ankles It is important to get medical care as soon as possible if you think you have RMSF. Blood tests are required to diagnose RMSF, but treatment should begin as soon as symptoms and/or recent tick exposure suggest RMSF. I hope you will find the information regarding ticks and the most common tick-borne illness useful and remember some safety tips when you are outside in the elements. Stay away from the tall grass, keep covered and wear some bug spray when you are in wooded areas. Take precautions, have a healthy summer. Enjoy and be careful out there.
Vlad Magdalin
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