A group of health conditions caused by a lone star tick bite is called lone star tick diseases. These include alpha-gal syndrome, Bourbon virus, ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus disease, southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), and tularemia. The lone star tick is a small bug often found near wooded areas in the U.S. Unfortunately, several types of lone star tick diseases can become severe if they are not treated immediately.
What Are The Symptoms of Lone Star Tick Diseases?
Usually, the symptoms appear within 1-2 days after a tick bites you, but some people may notice their first symptoms after 7-10 days. Sometimes, a lone star tick bite may cause irritation without causing other symptoms. This means the affected area will become itchy, swell, and may turn red. Check some general symptoms below:
- Muscle pain or soreness
- Headaches
- Fever and chills
- Rash
- Hives
- Painful or swollen lymph nodes
- Open wounds on the skin
- Tiredness
- Digestive issues (including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and appetite changes)
- Eye symptoms – These include watering, pain, increased sensitivity to light, or corneal ulceration.
Do not hesitate to visit a doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur. Otherwise, it may lead to unpleasant outcomes.
Causes
The lone star tick carries bacteria and viruses that cause infections. Nowadays, healthcare professionals do not fully understand why a lone star tick bite causes STARI. There is a difference between these ticks and mosquitoes. While mosquitoes bite you and leave, these bugs often latch on and burrow their head into the skin. They may feed for a day or even longer, which allows the bacteria and viruses to enter the body.
What Are The Long-Term Effects of Lone Star Tick Diseases?
There are some types of lone star tick diseases that may cause serious complications, especially when they are left untreated. Check some examples below:
- Sepsis
- Meningoencephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Heart failure
- Coma
- Seizures
- Hemorrhage (internal bleeding)
- Renal failure
- ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- Respiratory failure
- DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
- Anaphylaxis – This complication usually occurs in people with alpha-gal syndrome when they eat red meat or products that contain animal proteins. Moreover, anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment.
The previous list does not contain all possible Lone Star tick disease complications. However, doctors may recommend some options to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
Is There a Way To Prevent Lone Star Tick Diseases?
Yes, doctors often recommend the following tips to reduce the risk of getting these diseases. For example:
- You should stay in clear paths in wooded areas
- Wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, especially when you are in wooded areas
- Use bug sprays with DEET or other products that keep ticks away
- You should ask your doctor about how to remove a tick safely
- Do not let the grass grow more than 5 inches
- Check yourself regularly after being outdoors. Sometimes, you can find ticks on your back or scalp.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis of lone star tick diseases starts with a physical examination in which doctors will check for signs of a bite. They may also ask you some questions about the symptoms, medical history, and recently visited places to get more clues about your disease. In some cases, doctors may perform a blood test or a bacterial culture to make sure you do not have an infection.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there are no specific treatments for lone star tick diseases. However, doctors may recommend some options depending on the underlying cause. For instance, if you develop one of these diseases due to a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or antivirals if it is caused by a virus. In more severe cases, physicians often recommend IV (intravenous) fluids or antibiotics and pain relievers to manage the symptoms. It is very important to administer the medicines exactly as recommended by your doctor. Otherwise, the infection may return, and it usually becomes more difficult to treat.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if any of the following symptoms occur. Examples include:
- Seizures
- Coughing up blood
- Breathing problems
- Severe stomach pain
- Confusion
- Fever (over 103 degrees F or 40 degrees C)
- Swelling of the face, tongue, throat, or mouth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every lone star tick bite make you sick?
No. Not every lone star tick carries bacteria or viruses that cause disease. Many bites cause only mild skin irritation or no symptoms at all. However, because it is impossible to tell whether a tick is infected, you should monitor yourself for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if you develop fever, rash, or other concerning signs.
How do I know if a tick that bit me was a lone star tick?
Adult female lone star ticks have a distinctive white or silver spot on their backs, which gives them their name. Males have scattered white markings along the edge of their bodies. If you remove a tick, placing it in a sealed container or taking a clear photo may help your healthcare provider identify it.
Can lone star ticks transmit Lyme disease?
Lone star ticks are not considered a primary carrier of Lyme disease. However, they can spread other illnesses, including ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Heartland virus disease, Bourbon virus disease, STARI, and alpha-gal syndrome.
What is alpha-gal syndrome, and why is it different from other tick-borne diseases?
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction that develops after certain lone star tick bites. Instead of causing an infection, the bite can trigger an allergy to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which is found in red meat and some animal-derived products. Symptoms often occur several hours after eating these foods.
How soon should I remove a tick after finding it?
You should remove a tick as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, crushing, or burning the tick, as these methods can increase skin irritation and are not recommended.
Can children and pets get diseases from lone star ticks?
Yes. Both children and pets can be bitten by lone star ticks. While some of the diseases they develop may differ, prompt tick removal, regular tick checks, and preventive measures are important for everyone who spends time outdoors.
Are lone star tick diseases contagious from person to person?
No. Most lone star tick diseases do not spread from one person to another. They are typically transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. However, a person with alpha-gal syndrome may continue to experience allergic reactions after eating mammalian meat until the allergy improves.
What should I do after removing a lone star tick?
Wash the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Over the next few weeks, watch for symptoms such as fever, rash, fatigue, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes. If any symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly.
Can I get bitten by a lone star tick more than once?
Yes. A previous tick bite does not protect you from future bites or infections. In fact, repeated lone star tick bites may increase the risk of developing or worsening alpha-gal syndrome in some people.
How can I lower my risk of tick bites while hiking or camping?
Wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into your socks, and light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to spot. Apply an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin, treat clothing and gear with Permethrin when appropriate, stay on marked trails, avoid tall grass and brush, and perform a full-body tick check as soon as you return indoors. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
