Kansas ticks spread deadly diseases, KDHE post warning

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Parasites with a taste for human blood are coming out in force as temperatures warm in Kansas, bringing with them opportunities to spread harmful diseases.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) took to social media on May 2 to warn people of the potential dangers that come from tick bites. These insects have the potential to spread one of several diseases in people they latch onto. Four of these are being highlighted by the KDHE in 2024 before people head outdoors this summer.

Kansans are at the greatest risk of contracting one of these diseases during spring, summer and fall when ticks are most active. While insect repellents can be used to deter ticks from latching on, these are not always effective. People can check themselves and pets after venturing outside for ticks using these helpful tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Anaplasmosis

This disease, like other tick-borne diseases, is spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, according to the KDHE. The tick must be attached for a minimum of 12-24 hours for the bacterium that causes anaplasmosis to spread to the host. Symptoms of the disease include:

• Fever and/or chills

• Severe headache

• Muscle aches

• Nausea/vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of appetite

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The incubation period for anaplasmosis is typically between five and 14 days. In rare instances, this disease can cause severe illness if treatment is delayed or other medical conditions are present.

In the most severe cases, anaplasmosis can cause respiratory failure, bleeding issues, organ failure and death. You can learn more about anaplasmosis by clicking here.

Lyme Disease

Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease become apparent anywhere between the third day after being bitten by an infected blacklegged tick all the way up to the 30-day marker. Symptoms can vary wildly depending on the stage of infection.

• Early signs of infection (3-30 days after bite)

  • Fever and/or chills

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle and joint aches

  • Swollen lymph nodes

• Later illness (Days or months after bite)

  • Severe headache and neck stiffness

  • Rashes on the body

  • Facial palsy

  • Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling around knees and other large joints

  • Intermitten pain in tendons, muscles, joints and bones

  • Heart palpitations

  • Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath

  • Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord

  • Nerve pain

  • Shooting pains, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

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Most cases of Lyme disease are confirmed in June and July each year, according to the KDHE. You can learn more about this disease by clicking here.

Ehrlichiosis

People are infected with this disease through the bite of a lone star tick. These must be attached for at least a day for the disease to spread to the host.

Ehrlichiosis has an incubation period of five to 14 days with symptoms varying depending on what stage of infection the host is at. These include:

• Early illness

  • Fever and/or chills

  • Severe headache

  • Muscle aches

  • Nausea/vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Loss of appetite

  • Rashes

• Late illness

  • Damage to brain or nervous system

  • Respiratory failure

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

  • Organ failure

  • Death

People who are very young or very old are at higher risk of suffering from this disease, according to the KDHE. Those who have a weakened immune system are likely to develop a severe illness from Ehrlichiosis. Learn more about the disease by clicking here.

Spotted Fever Rickettsioses

Spread by the American dog tick and Gulf Coast tick, this group of diseases can bring a host of health issues to people who become infected. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), the most serious instance of spotted fever rickettsiosis, are often spread by the American dog tick immediately after they bite.

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RMSF can be fatal for those infected with it in a matter of days following the bite of an infected tick, according to the KDHE. The incubation period for this disease is between three to 12 days. People should seek immediate treatment upon the first sign of symptoms.

• Early illness

  • High fever

  • Severe headache

  • Nausea, vomiting

  • Abdominal pain

  • Muscle pain

  • Lack of appetite

  • Rashes

• Later illness

  • Severe rashes

  • Altered mental status, coma and swelling of the brain

  • Respiratory compromise

  • Necrosis, often requiring amputation

  • Multiorgan system damage

  • Death

Those at the highest risk of severe illness are children below the age of 10 and people with glucose-6-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. You can learn more about this disease by clicking here.

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