Ticks are small pests that can invade your home and cause diseases. Since they are small, it is easier for them to create an infestation and still go unnoticed. You are more likely to bring in ticks if you like to be outdoors, something which is common in Illinois people. This is why it is important to know the early signs of these diseases.
Recognizing the early signs can be challenging. This is because these look like common illness symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. If you have been in wooded areas or tall grass and you experience these symptoms right after, it is recommended to get a check-up. Rashes, like the one linked to Lyme disease, may show up a few days to weeks after a tick bite.
Your risk of encountering ticks will remain the same as long as you keep going outside. This is why it is recommended to conduct pest control inspections at home at least once a year. Call Glen Ellyn Exterminator Services today.
Early signs of tick-borne illnesses
The early signs of tick-borne disease are similar to flu-like symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose it at first. You might feel muscle pains, chills, tiredness, and fever. These initial signs generally appear within a few days to weeks after a tick bite. The fever may fluctuate, and you might experience extreme tiredness and weakness.
It is very important to know that these symptoms may vary depending on the specific illness caused by the tick. For example, Lyme disease can cause a ‘bull’s-eye’ rash, while Rocky Mountain spotted fever can lead to rashes on your wrists and ankles. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit your nearest doctor for a check-up.
Specific symptoms by disease
Lyme disease
You can identify Lyme disease with its characteristic bulls-eye rash, also called erythema migrans. You might notice these circular rashes within three to thirty days after a tick bite. It starts as a red spot and starts spreading outwards, forming a ring with a clear center. However, this is not the only thing you have to deal with.
You may also experience severe headaches and joint pain, particularly in the knees. These symptoms are sometimes followed by fever, too. If you do not treat this disease timely, the situation can get worse and result in heart issues.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
The main symptom of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is rashes. These rashes start from your wrists and ankles and spread to the arms and legs. The rash can sometimes look like small red or purple spots.
Other symptoms include nausea and abdominal pain. Many people also experience fever and muscle aches. This disease can be very serious and may even result in organ damage if not treated timely.
Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis
These diseases have symptoms similar to the common flu, such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and tiredness. However, they do not cause any rash like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
In some serious cases, Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis can lead to difficulty breathing, especially if the infection has spread to the lungs. This makes it very difficult to recognize early on. Since these diseases can also destroy your other organs, it is very important to get medical help timely.
Neurological signs
If the tick-born illness has advanced, you can also experience neurological symptoms. This can include a stiff neck, facial palsy, or even confusion. These symptoms are a sign that the disease has started to affect your nervous system, which can result in more serious issues if not treated immediately.
Don’t ignore the warning symptoms!
Tick-borne illnesses can be dangerous if ignored for a long time. To protect your home and your family, get pest control services in Illinois today!