As summer temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, so does the risk of encountering ticks and the diseases they can carry. At Medical Specialty Clinic, we want to keep you informed about common tick-borne illnesses, how to recognize them, and—most importantly—how to prevent tick bites altogether.
Common Tick-Borne Illnesses in Tennessee and the Southeast
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
- Cause: Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria, transmitted by the American dog tick, brown dog tick, and Rocky Mountain wood tick.
- Symptoms: Fever, headache, rash (often starting on wrists/ankles), nausea, muscle pain, and swelling around eyes and hands.
- Urgency: RMSF can be deadly if not treated early with antibiotics like doxycycline, even in children.
- Lyme Disease
- Cause: Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted by the black-legged tick (deer tick).
- Symptoms: Early signs include fatigue, fever, headache, and a distinctive “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans).
- Progression: If untreated, Lyme can cause joint pain, neurological issues, and heart complications.
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome (Red Meat Allergy)
- Cause: A delayed allergic reaction to red meat and other mammal products, triggered by a bite from the Lone Star tick.
- Symptoms: Hives, GI distress, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis 3–6 hours after eating beef, pork, lamb, or even dairy in some cases.
- Uniqueness: Unlike bacterial infections, Alpha-Gal is an immune response and does not respond to antibiotics.
How to Prevent Tick Bites This Summer
Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or enjoying time at the lake, tick prevention is key:
1. Use Tick Repellent
Apply EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin (for clothing). Natural alternatives like oil of lemon eucalyptus can also be effective.
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is a plant-based repellent derived from the lemon-scented gum tree (Corymbia citriodora). It contains an active ingredient called PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), which has been shown to be effective in repelling ticks and mosquitoes.
- Important distinction:
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) = EPA-registered repellent, effective and tested.
- Lemon oil + eucalyptus oil (like essential oils) = not the same, and not proven to be effective against ticks in clinical studies.
2. Dress Defensively
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and tuck your pants into socks to make it harder for ticks to latch on.
3. Perform Tick Checks
After spending time outdoors, check your body (and your kids and pets) thoroughly—especially warm, hidden areas like behind the knees, ears, armpits, scalp, and waistband.
4. Shower Soon After Coming Indoors
Showering within two hours can reduce your risk of Lyme disease and help wash off unattached ticks.
5. Keep Your Yard Tick-Free
Mow the lawn regularly, clear brush, and create tick-safe zones with wood chips or gravel between wooded areas and play spaces.
6. Remove Ticks Promptly and Properly
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin. Pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the area with alcohol or soap and water.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you develop a rash, fever, fatigue, or unexplained allergic symptoms after a possible tick bite, don’t wait—contact us immediately. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
At Medical Specialty Clinic, we are experienced in diagnosing and treating tick-borne diseases. If you have concerns about tick exposure or need evaluation for symptoms, call us today to schedule an appointment.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about tick bites or illness.
