Add Powassan virus to the list. And a yet to be identified tick related virus that claimed the life of a local Kansas man last year.
The symptoms of an infectious tick bite can be mostly the same. A red 'ring' around the bite may be the first visual indication.
Depending on the type of infection and the person affected, other symptoms may not show up right away. These include flu-like symptoms along with muscle aches and pains; a skin rash, fever and headache.Standard treatment includes intravenous fluids, antiviral medications, systemic cortico steroids and some other drugs have been effective too.
Note- failing to treat can result in deadly consequences.
What can you do? Wear long pants and sleeves if outdoors; use plenty of DEET based (or equivalent) tick spray and do a thorough inspection when you undress.
Of course, if you have symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
