Doctor Imran Ali, a physician fellow at the University of Connecticut, joins us to answer some questions on preventing tick borne illnesses.

Q: So we live in Connecticut that is known for Lyme disease but you say that Ticks carry more than Lyme?

A: “We all heard of lyme disease which is the most common disease carried by ticks in our area and we are talking about the IXODES tick but after recent news of a toddler’s death from Ricky Mounted Spotted Fever in Indiana we need to be aware that although lyme disease may be treated there are other diseases that affect vulnerable populations such as the very young and pregnant women that can bemore dangerous if let untreated. Now in our area of Connecticut we don’t need to worry about Rocky Mounted Spotted fever but two other disease that I see in my practice are Ehrilichiosis and Babesosis which can affect your liver and cause anemia. We are seeing more ticks now according to the CDC.”

Q: What are the signs of lyme disease and when do you see your doctor?

A: “The classic sign of lyme disease is the “Bulls eye Rash” but it is not actually a perfect bulls eye but rather a red circular rash with some clear areas. The rash is so classic that if we see it we treat with antibiotics without even doing any extensive blood tests for lyme serology. The symptoms of lyme disease are fever, headache and severe joint pains especially after you know that you were in a wooded area and exposed to ticks. Now as ticks carry more than just lyme your doctor will do some blood tests to check you for anemia and liver abnormalities just to make sure that you are not co infected with Babesosis or Ehrilichiosis. You will be treated for 3 weeks with an antibiotic with no issues generally.”

Q: How do you prevent tick bites and if you see a tick what do you do?

A: “If you are Pregnant try to avoid wooded areas if possible and try to have the very young especially toddlers away from areas were ticks are. A basic insect repellent such as DEET will work but even better try to tuck your pant legs into your socks. You can’t feel a tick bite so when you get
back indoors just take some time to inspect your clothing and your skin for any ticks which are the size of an apple seed. When you see a tick simply remove it with tweezers, never use nail polish or peppermint oil to try to get it off as this might just make the tick release more bacteria. Your doctor will get you an exposure dose of antibiotic and otherwise you should be fine if you get it within the first 36 hours.”