Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted by ticks and causes flu-like symptoms Symptoms of ehrlichiosis can be manifested by both mild body pains and high fever Symptoms appear 1-2 weeks after the tick bite With timely treatment with appropriate antibiotics, the condition caused by ehrlichiosis improves in a few days
Another tick-borne infection - anaplasmosis - is very similar to ehrlichiosis. However, there are differences between them and these diseases are caused by different microorganisms
To prevent infection, it is necessary to avoid tick bites. Tick repellents, full body examination after going outside is the best way to prevent ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia chaffins, which is transmitted by ticks.
Mites feed on blood on human skin until they reach several times their size. During feeding, the disease-causing tick can transfer the bacteria to a healthy person Ticks can also get the bacteria from some infected animals, such as deer or coyotes
As a rule, a tick bite is necessary to develop ehrlichiosis The bacterium penetrates the skin at the site of the bite and finds its way to the bloodstream from there
Before the bacteria can be transferred, the tick must be feeding on the skin for at least 24 hours. A tick on the skin that is large and covered in blood may indicate that it has been sitting on the skin long enough to transmit an infection. Timely removal of ticks helps to avoid infection
Ehrlichiosis can be transmitted through blood transfusions, from mother to fetus, and through direct contact with the cut meat of an infected animal.
If a tick carrying the bacteria that causes Ehrlichiosis has been in your feces for at least 24 hours, you may develop the following flu-like symptoms within 5-14 days: However, without medical intervention, persistent symptoms caused by ehrlichiosis may land the patient in the hospital.
When to consult a doctor
Symptoms of ehrlichiosis may appear in 14 days after a tick bite. If you experience symptoms within 14 days of being bitten, consult a doctor If you think you've developed any of these symptoms after being in an environment where ticks might be present, see your doctor Be sure to tell your doctor about a tick nest or your visit to a place where ticks live.
