by John Jefferson
The title may sound a little like the start of a kids’ nursery rhyme, but believe me, the toxicity of tick bites has become a full-grown threat to anyone who gets off the pavement.
And that includes all Woods, Waters, and Wildlife column readers that have ventured into the woods — and me, too!
I say that as a Lyme disease survivor. Twice.
When first reports of Lyme Disease began appearing, my wife and I read everything we could find on the subject. She’s a registered nurse and I was leading photo workshops in several “boon docks” locations. So, we reacted when a tick bite developed Lyme characteristics: I beat it to my doctor’s office.
When asked how much he knew about Lyme disease, he confessed he knew nothing. So, he tested me. The lab results were positive.
He started treatment while we awaited the lab results. He later credited the quick application of medicine for a speedy recovery. Other patients — including a State Senator who contracted the disease — suffered lengthy pain and had long term disabilities.
About a year later, another tick bite created the same symptoms. Another quick treatment, more tests, and a second negative test after treatment cleared me.
Lyme disease is still a threat from tick bites. But more problems have surfaced.
A tick bite can cause a life-threatening meat allergy called alpha-gel syndrome. A Fort Worth newspaper article cited on Fox News reported that an allergic reaction occurred later one night after a man’s steak dinner.
The article out of Fort Worth said the meat allergy arose after eating red meat like beef, pork, mutton, goat, venison, and rabbits. I ate a fair amount of rabbit when I lived in South Texas, as well as my share of cabrito (goat) — and no telling what else when we went “across.” That’s no longer a problem since I have probably crossed El Rio for the last time.
In my Lyme cases, the rash occurred at “non-typical” tick bite sites as a pink rash resembling a bullseye target. (They usually prefer soft tissue and indiscreet areas!) Mine even had a small dark spot in the center. It appeared within a day of discovering and removing the tick. And it itched. The rash and itching persisted. Some people may not have a rash. My doctor treated me with tetracycline immediately. Rapid treatment for such a non-typical tick bite might have saved me from more severe symptoms.
But beware of all ticks and remove them quickly. According to the Texas Dept. of Health Services, they can transmit a number of diseases IN ADDITION to Lyme disease, including (Rocky Mountain) Spotted fever rickettsiosis, Tick-borne relapsing fever, Tularemia, and others.
If a tick bite doesn’t dissipate soon after tick-removal and symptoms including fever, headaches, muscle or joint aches, fatigue, skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes, and/or malaise, get to a doctor muy pronto! Some diseases can be fatal if untreated.
And malaise is NOT a spread to apply to sandwiches!
JJ
