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Death prompts public health officials to warn Missourians about tick-borne diseases
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State health officials are urging Missourians to protect themselves from tick bites after a northeast Missouri child died May 23 from a tick-borne disease.
The child, who became ill after apparently being bitten by a tick, received intensive medical care but died about 10 days after symptoms initially appeared. Tests performed at St. Louis Children's Hospital indicate the child was infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis, a disease related to Rocky Mountain spotted fever
“Serious complications from ehrlichiosis are rare, but a death like this - of an otherwise healthy child - is a solemn reminder of the importance of avoiding tick bites to reduce the risk of getting a tick-borne disease,” Public Health Veterinarian Howard Pue said. “The risk of serious tick-borne disease is low for most people, but early symptoms are difficult to distinguish from other infectious and noninfectious diseases.”
The Department of Health and Senior Services has received increased reports this year of several tick-borne diseases. Sixteen cases of ehrlichiosis have been reported so far, compared to an average of nine cases per year for the same time period over the past five years. In addition, 54 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been reported so far, compared to an average of 22 cases. Other tick-borne diseases reported in Missouri this year include two cases of tularemia and 10 cases of Lyme-like disease.
State Epidemiologist Bao Ping Zhu hopes Missouri physicians will heed the importance of this spring's unexpectedly high number of tick-borne disease reports.
“These reports appear to indicate increased tick activity for 2007,” said Dr. Zhu. “Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia can be life-threatening, and diagnosis can be very difficult.”
Because tick-borne illnesses cannot be quickly diagnosed through testing, treatment decisions must be based on clinical evidence and the likelihood of tick exposure, Zhu said.
“The best way Missourians can protect themselves is to avoid tick bites and become more aware of the symptoms of tick-borne diseases,” Pue said. “If you have been bitten by a tick and experience a sudden fever, headache, rash, achy muscles, nausea, vomiting or general body discomfort, you should contact your physician for evaluation.”
Avoiding tick bites
Missouri health officials say people can protect themselves from tick bites by:
* Avoiding areas with lots of ticks. Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush.
* Keeping ticks off their skin. Apply a repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET and read the label. Wear light-colored clothing that makes ticks easier to see. Tucking your pants into your socks can also help.
* Check for ticks. Remove ticks from clothes before going inside and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag or other container.
* The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks and mosquitoes. The academy says 30 percent DEET is the maximum amount currently recommended for children over two months old. DEET should not be used on infants under 2 months of age, officials said.
The child, who became ill after apparently being bitten by a tick, received intensive medical care but died about 10 days after symptoms initially appeared. Tests performed at St. Louis Children's Hospital indicate the child was infected with Ehrlichia chaffeensis, a disease related to Rocky Mountain spotted fever
“Serious complications from ehrlichiosis are rare, but a death like this - of an otherwise healthy child - is a solemn reminder of the importance of avoiding tick bites to reduce the risk of getting a tick-borne disease,” Public Health Veterinarian Howard Pue said. “The risk of serious tick-borne disease is low for most people, but early symptoms are difficult to distinguish from other infectious and noninfectious diseases.”
The Department of Health and Senior Services has received increased reports this year of several tick-borne diseases. Sixteen cases of ehrlichiosis have been reported so far, compared to an average of nine cases per year for the same time period over the past five years. In addition, 54 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have been reported so far, compared to an average of 22 cases. Other tick-borne diseases reported in Missouri this year include two cases of tularemia and 10 cases of Lyme-like disease.
State Epidemiologist Bao Ping Zhu hopes Missouri physicians will heed the importance of this spring's unexpectedly high number of tick-borne disease reports.
“These reports appear to indicate increased tick activity for 2007,” said Dr. Zhu. “Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia can be life-threatening, and diagnosis can be very difficult.”
Because tick-borne illnesses cannot be quickly diagnosed through testing, treatment decisions must be based on clinical evidence and the likelihood of tick exposure, Zhu said.
“The best way Missourians can protect themselves is to avoid tick bites and become more aware of the symptoms of tick-borne diseases,” Pue said. “If you have been bitten by a tick and experience a sudden fever, headache, rash, achy muscles, nausea, vomiting or general body discomfort, you should contact your physician for evaluation.”
Avoiding tick bites
Missouri health officials say people can protect themselves from tick bites by:
* Avoiding areas with lots of ticks. Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush.
* Keeping ticks off their skin. Apply a repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET and read the label. Wear light-colored clothing that makes ticks easier to see. Tucking your pants into your socks can also help.
* Check for ticks. Remove ticks from clothes before going inside and dispose of them in a sealed plastic bag or other container.
* The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks and mosquitoes. The academy says 30 percent DEET is the maximum amount currently recommended for children over two months old. DEET should not be used on infants under 2 months of age, officials said.
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