Tick born diseases

[Badger154]

I'm posting this as an advisory to those who hunt , fish, camp or do anything involving the outdoors. Hunting season for deer starts early in South Carolina and back in July I spent several days on our farm prepping for food plots etc. Lots of grown up areas and plenty of wildlife. And of course, ticks. I finished bushhogging and showered, being careful to look for ticks. Next day I found I missed a small one on my left calf. I removed it and moved on. Next day (about the 29th of July)I noticed the redness and what looked like an infected bite. Cleaned it up and went on, Within a week my leg started swelling, and the redness covered my calf and half of my foot. My body temp went to 100 overnight and the sweats came with it. I went to my doctor and told him about what was going on and he immediately placed me on antibiotics with the thought that this was Lyme Disease. I was told that Lyme Disease cannot be tested for until the subject has had the symptoms for at least 3 weeks. At the time of my MD visit it had been 2 weeks. Things got worse. My temp was erratic but never below 100 and as high as 102.5. No sleep, muscular and joint pain and nausea. My wife said I was talking out of my head when I was able to sleep which wasn't often. I went to a different MD and they were shocked by what they saw. My leg was swelled up over twice it's normal size and the bite spot was really infected. I was given a shot of a strong antibiotic and put on another strong antibiotic to take. Doctor said I should have been put on an IV antibiotic the day I went to the first MD but now they would go after it without that and would test for Lyme Disease. They were comfortable that we had caught it in time. Five days later they called me at home and gave me the news. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. So I was given a really strong oral antibiotic and told to watch it closely. It had been a month since the initial bite by this time. I could get around but became ill after any stressful activity such as walking or lifting. Today is September 22 and I am off all meds and the redness and swelling have been gone for several days. Still weak but getting better. The stress of this thing caused a PVC problem with my heart and I had some tests regarding that but was told there was no real problem. Lots of folks have that problem so no big deal. For those that have read all of this I appreciate it. RMSF can kill you if not treated. So can Lyme Disease. Luckily I made the decision to go on to the MD and it was caught in time. I've never been that sick or sick for that long. It's like the flu on steroids. So if that tick bite starts to turn red or the area starts to swell and look a bit infected, GO TO THE MD THEN, not later. Hope this helps someone out there.

 

[Hanshi]

Your post is a great service and a reminder to always protect against these dangerous pests when outside. Use permethrin on clothing and DEET on exposed skin. Blouse pant cuffs over boots, wear a hat and treat all clothing. You are correct; check for ticks when you come inside.

 

[Sparkitoff1]

Good info. I have had more than my share of ticks attached to me. The most "interesting" was after a return from South Africa. I had somehow missed a tick on the last night there and pulled it off in the morning before departing for the USA. Two weeks later I suffered a fever of 103 - 103.5 for a three day stretch before going to the doctor. That morning also started blurred vision and limited limb movement with joint pain. A red spot started expanding. Doctor sends me to infectious disease specialist. Biopsy of area and sucked out liquid from area for tests. Two days later I am informed it is African Tick Fever. Symptoms last for 30-45 days! I am told this is somewhat rare to contract (in Africa). Your warning is noteworthy. Take precautions and preventatives and follow-up if a tick is found. It can threaten your overall health.

 

[MissouriKid]

I've already been dealing with a tick bite from earlier this year, seen the doc already, just healing slowly.

 

[Okie Hog]

Thanks for the reminder. Tick borne diseases are bad news.

Folks on several job sites I worked on came down with Lyme disease. A close friend was diagnosed with Lyme in 1992: He continues to suffer its effects today.

Couple time each year i treat a couple pairs of pants an shirts with permethrin. The stuff lasts through a few washings. Any tick that comes into contact with permethrin treated clothing dies.

Treating clothing using 10 percent permethrin:

https://gear-report.com/diy-permethrin-treatment-how-to-treat-your-clothes-and-gear-with-permethrin

 

[Hanshi]

I mix my permethrin extra strong from a bottle of concentrate. I've become paranoid about ticks over the last few years.

 

[LR]

I use "skin so soft" from Avon. Best darn skeeter and tick repellent that I have found...and it has no smell.

 

[Buck Conner1]

Another thing to keep in mind is to watch for deer ticks.

Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease? In fact, only a few species are known to pass it along to humans, but watch your animals. Of the ticks that carry Lyme disease, the blacklegged tick, also called a deer tick or Lyme disease tick, is the worst offender. ... “The larval and nymphal stages of the tick are no bigger than a pinhead (less than 2 mm). Deer Ticks Must Stay Attached To Cause Lyme Disease. When a tick attaches to a human, it can take 24-48 hours for a harmful amount of bacteria to transfer. While there is no set amount, scientists have concluded that early detection and early removal can significantly reduce the risk of contraction.

 

[Mebits]

Thanks for the reminder. Tick borne diseases are bad news.

Folks on several job sites I worked on came down with Lyme disease. A close friend was diagnosed with Lyme in 1992: He continues to suffer its effects today.

Couple time each year i treat a couple pairs of pants an shirts with permethrin. The stuff lasts through a few washings. Any tick that comes into contact with permethrin treated clothing dies.

Treating clothing using 10 percent permethrin:

https://gear-report.com/diy-permethrin-treatment-how-to-treat-your-clothes-and-gear-with-permethrin

Put me down as a firm believer in treating my clothing with permethrin. Sawyers is good for 6 washings or 6 weeks. I treat my hat, mask, gloves, shirt, socks, and pants, plus a few other items. Pretty good at keeping skeets off too.

 

[Marty1]

I'm headed out soon for an evening archery hunt. I sprayed-down all my outer gear and clothing yesterday with permethrin and left it outside overnight. I don't worry about ticks with permethrin.

 

[Hanshi]

I've already sprayed most of my outdoor stuff; just got a few more things to get ready.

 

[Buck Conner1]

"Tick born diseases" is that what's wrong with Pete ??? :coffee:

 

[JIMYJAC]

Ticks are super bad here. Been bit before. Using sawyers (brand i favor) seems to do the job. I just dont find them on me.

 

[muzzleloader48]

"Tick born diseases" is that what's wrong with Pete ??? :coffee:

 

[Buck Conner1]

He needs to change his drawers once in a while or has he stopped wearing them too ??? Ticks ......