There are more than five thousand known species of ticks, they are in the mite class, which is one of the six spider-like species. The terms tick and mite are sometimes used interchangeably among the public. However, the species that feed on plants are generally called mites, and the species that can survive as parasites in the body of warm-blooded animals are called ticks. With the arrival of spring and the movement of nature, it may become more possible for ticks to bite people due to spending more time in parks and gardens.
What is Tick Bite?
Ticks, which live as parasites on warm-blooded animals, attach to the skin surface and suck human or animal blood and survive by feeding in this way. When ticks, which prefer warm and humid areas, reach the animal or human body, they cling to the areas where these conditions are met. This condition is called a tick bite or a tick bite. Ticks, which generally reach animals more easily in nature and are common on animals, can also bite humans. Among the places where a tick is most likely to be found on the human body are the armpits, places where hair and hair are concentrated, and the pubic area. Ticks, which find a suitable spot on the human body in this way, attach to the human body by biting and suck blood. Many insect species leave the human body soon after they bite. However, unlike these insects, ticks stay attached to the point where they bite the body. After ticks bite the body, they not only suck blood. In addition, they can leave some secretions that may be harmful to the human body. The human body protects the body against harmful substances from ticks. However, if a tick remains undetected for a long time, it can lead to risky results in some cases. Ticks can stay in their spot for about 10 days until they are fully satiated. At the end of the period, they leave the body spontaneously and leave from this point.
Tick Bite Symptoms
Non-venomous tick bites may not cause any symptoms in some cases. But tick bite symptoms are quite noticeable, especially for people with allergies. Weakening or complete disappearance of reflexes may be among the most common symptoms. Most of this accompanied by muscle weakness. Symptoms of tick bites may include pain and swelling of the area where the tick has bitten. In addition, rashes or blisters may also be seen in the same area. Again, the occurrence of a burning sensation in the bitten area is among the possible symptoms. In rare cases, breathing difficulties may occur. If the ticks do not carry any infectious agents, fever is not among the expected symptoms. However, contrary to this situation, ticks infected by a virus harmful to the human body can cause more serious symptoms. These symptoms include;
- Intense or mild headache,
- Weakness and rash on the body,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Fever,
- Swelling of the lymph nodes,
- Pains in the muscles and joints,
- Neck stiffness.
What to Do in Case of Tick Bite?
The most common mistake is to try to remove the tick unconsciously. The person who sees a tick attached to his body should apply directly to the health institution without any intervention on his own. If it is not removed correctly with the appropriate technique, the tick may disintegrate or cause various diseases by leaving the poison or infectious agents it carries into the body. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is the most common of these. Therefore, considering these risks, the most effective method is to apply to a health institution without wasting time. After the professional removal of the tick in the health institution, some examinations should be carried out to investigate whether there is any infection caused by the tick. For this reason, a group of blood tests is usually By applying i, disease agents that can be transmitted by ticks are investigated. In addition, various precautions must be taken to prevent tick bites. People who spend time in risky areas, especially those living in rural areas, farming or animal husbandry, should protect their bodies against tick bites in their daily work. Tick-repellent sprays, preferring clothes that cover all parts of the body, and checking the body at the end of the day are among some effective protection methods. In addition, choosing light-colored clothes will also be beneficial for people who spend time in rural areas, as it will allow ticks to be easily noticed. People who have pets such as cats and dogs should take care to have their pets' parasite care and control on time. If the pet goes on outdoor trips, it should also be checked whether there are ticks or other parasites on the animal after the trip. Every minute lost can negatively affect human life. For this reason, it is necessary to apply to the nearest health institution without losing time with the detection of the bite. With the application to the health institution, the tick is removed from the place where it is found with the right methods and the area is cleaned with appropriate drugs. Immediately afterwards, a blood test is applied to determine whether the tick infects the human body with any virus. Patients who are not infected in any way are discharged and called to the hospital to give blood tests again for control purposes. In infected patients, treatment is started without wasting time. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important, especially in the treatment of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever. Electrolyte and fluid balance is provided in order to reorganize the disturbed physiological balance of the patient. In addition, coagulation factor and fresh blood transfer can be performed to prevent coagulation disorders. It is also very important to control the high fever seen especially in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever. For this, the necessary drugs are given to the patient without losing time. timely intervention The healing process of the patients who are asked for and treated appropriately can start from the 10th day. Depending on the condition of the infection in the body and the individual characteristics of the patient, the duration of treatment may take up to 1 month. “Does a tick bite kill?” The answer to the question can be answered as “No” if appropriate treatments are applied in a timely manner. However, it is very important to apply to health institutions without wasting time after the bite. Thus, you can have the necessary treatments and regain your health without wasting time.
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