Скачать или смотреть Tick bite can be dangerous!

If you are traveling to a certain area where it is surrounded by trees or forest, then you might be at risk of getting a condition called Lyme disease. Lyme disease is transmitted from a tick bite carrying bacteria called Borrelia. Tics commonly found in the US especially in the north-east and mid-west areas as well as in Europe. Normally, the tick gets stuck on the skin but it would not be necessary able to transmit the disease if it is removed within 24 hours.
In the early stages of Lyme disease, patients often experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headaches with muscle and joint pain. They usually happen within 3 to 30 days after the bite.
Later, a hallmark sign will appear on the skin around the tick bite area. It is a circular red rash with a clearing in the center called Bull’s eye.
Few months later, if left untreated, more severe symptoms and complications may appear affecting different organs in the body. The most common one is arthritis affecting large joints like the knees which might cause pain and swelling in them.
Another neurological complication can include facial paralysis so called bell’s palsy, meningitis and memory problems. It can also affect the heart causing irregular heartbeats.

The diagnosis depends on the symptoms, history of a recent tick bite and specific antibodies blood test.

The most important step in the treatment is the prompt removal of the tick with a tweezers within 24 hours of the bite. This can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. then it is recommended to use antibiotics. The duration of the course depends on the symptoms and the stage of the illness or the presence of any complications.

Video shot by Galia Helbaoui and edited by Amer Helbaoui