Experiencing Symptoms of a “Summer Flu”? Don’t Forget to Consider Tick-Borne Disease.
While it’s important to know that ticks can transmit diseases to humans year-round (even in fall/winter after a frost), summer is the time to be particularly vigilant. Tiny teenage deer tick nymphs are out and looking for a meal; at about the size of a poppy seed they are hard to spot. It’s not uncommon to experience symptoms of a virus or flu-like illness—the early hallmark of a tick-borne disease—without noticing a tick bite or even the bullseye rash that is sometimes associated with a tick bite.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health,
“Lyme disease is often identified by the hallmark erythema migrans rash, but not all early cases present with a rash. In other cases, the rash may be unseen or unrecognized by a physician. In these situations, Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose because it masquerades as a non-specific viral-like illness. The seasonal peak of Lyme disease ranging from May through September overlaps with that of viral illnesses such as enteroviral infections, West Nile virus, and in rare years such as 2009, early influenza season.
… Because of the diagnostic importance of recognizing the erythema migrans rash, physicians in endemic regions should always ask about new rashes or skin lesions and perform a thorough physical examination when patients present over the summer with viral-like symptoms. Even when no rash is evident, Lyme disease should be considered if these symptoms persist or worsen without a specific diagnosis.“
Key Takeaways:
- Lyme disease does not always present with a rash!
- You may not realize you’ve been bitten by a tick.
- If you experience symptoms of a virus or “summer flu” between the months of May and September, it’s possible you may have contracted a tick or mosquito-borne illness.
Different Ticks Carry Different Diseases
The most common tick-borne diseases on Cape Cod are Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis, all of which can start off with flu-like symptoms. More rarely, there have also been cases of Borrelia miyamotoi (Hard Tick Relapsing Fever), Rocky Mountain Spotten Fever, Powassan Virus, Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia.
Did you know that if you have a picture of the tick can help you assess your risk of contracting the tick-borne illnesses listed above? Visit the University of Rhode Island’s Tickspotters site!
Signs and Symptoms of Lymes Disease from Johns Hopkins
Watch this video from the Johns Hopkins Medicine Lyme Disease Research Center to learn more about the signs and symptoms of Lymes disease:
Like humans, pets get tick-borne diseases. And because dogs and cats go outside, they can transport ticks indoors, where they can bite people. If your pet suddenly seems ill or has a change in behavior, tick-borne disease could be the culprit and should be ruled out. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite.
To prevent your pet from getting a tick-borne disease or bringing ticks into your home:
- Check your pets DAILY for ticks. If you do find a tick biting your pet, remove it right away.
- Talk to your vet about tick prevention products for your cats and dogs. IMPORTANT: cats can be highly sensitive to some chemicals; be sure to consult a veterinarian before choosing a flea/tick preventative!
Additional Resources
Lyme disease – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
About Ticks and Tickborne Disease | Ticks | CDC
Protecting Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitoes: Fast Facts (Infographic)
Find the Repellent that is Right for You | US EPA
