Tiny threat, big danger: What you need to know about ticks
Image: Pexels
South Africa is a nation of hikers, gardeners, farmers, and adventurers who love nothing more than a braai on the veld or a stroll through the fynbos.
But lurking in that long grass and on the backs of our beloved pets is a tiny, unassuming arachnid that can pose a significant health threat: the tick.
Often dismissed as a minor nuisance, a single tick bite can transmit serious diseases, and with climate change affecting tick populations, it's more important than ever to understand the risks.
Being tick-aware, and knowing the difference between a mild irritation and a potentially life-changing illness.
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The dangers of a tick bite
While we often hear about Lyme disease in the Northern Hemisphere, South Africa has its own prevalent tick-borne illness: *African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF), a bacterial infection transmitted by the "bont" tick, which is common on cattle and other wildlife in our rural and bushveld areas.
Symptoms of ATBF usually appear within 5 to 10 days of a bite and can include: A severe headache
A general feeling of ill health and fatigue.
Swollen glands or lymph nodes, particularly near the bite site.
A fever that can be accompanied by muscle aches and pains.
The most telling sign is a small, dark, often black lesion at the site of the bite, surrounded by a red area. A person may have multiple eschars if bitten by more than one tick.
While ATBF is usually not life-threatening and can be effectively treated with antibiotics like doxycycline, a delayed diagnosis can lead to more severe symptoms and complications.
How to dislodge a tick
If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as you can.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure, and avoid twisting or jerking. This helps ensure the tick's mouthparts don't break off in your skin.
Lyme disease
The classic form of Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium 'Borrelia burgdorferi' and transmitted by Ixodes ticks, is rare in South Africa.
However, there are alternative viewpoints and growing concerns. Some local doctors and patient groups believe a form of Lyme-like illness may be present, often caused by different strains of bacteria.
These bacteria are harder to test for and can present with symptoms that mimic other conditions, making a diagnosis difficult.
The key difference in symptoms between classic Lyme disease and South African Tick-Bite Fever is the rash.
While ATBF presents with an eschar, the hallmark of classic Lyme disease is a distinctive, expanding "bullseye" rash .
This rash is often warm to the touch but not itchy and can appear anywhere from 3 to 30 days after a bite. Other symptoms can include fever, chills, and fatigue.
What to do if you suspect you have tick bite fever
If you believe you have a tick-borne illness, regardless of the symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor.
Be sure to mention any recent outdoor activities or potential tick exposure. While there may be uncertainty around Lyme disease in our country, there is no doubt that tick-borne illnesses are a real risk.
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The dangers of a tick bite While we often hear about Lyme disease in the Northern Hemisphere, South Africa has its own prevalent tick-borne illness: *African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF), a bacterial infection transmitted by the "bont" tick, which is common on cattle and other wildlife in our rural and bushveld areas. Symptoms of ATBF usually appear within 5 to 10 days of a bite and can include: A severe headache A general feeling of ill health and fatigue. Swollen glands or lymph nodes, particularly near the bite site. A fever that can be accompanied by muscle aches and pains. The most telling sign is a small, dark, often black lesion at the site of the bite, surrounded by a red area. A person may have multiple eschars if bitten by more than one tick. While ATBF is usually not life-threatening and can be effectively treated with antibiotics like doxycycline, a delayed diagnosis can lead to more severe symptoms and complications. How to dislodge a tick If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as you can. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, and avoid twisting or jerking. This helps ensure the tick's mouthparts don't break off in your skin. 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