Ticks are small, blood-feeding arachnids that thrive in Georgia’s warm, humid climate. In the Atlanta area, tick activity is a year-round concern, with peak seasons in spring and summer. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their outdoor activities and smaller body size, making it essential for parents to understand the risks and preventive measures associated with tick bites.
Common Ticks in Georgia
Several tick species are prevalent in Georgia, each capable of transmitting various diseases:
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum): Recognizable by a white spot on its back, this tick is common in wooded areas and is known to transmit ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).
- American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis): Often found in grassy fields, it can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis): Also known as the deer tick, it is a primary vector for Lyme disease, although Lyme is less common in Georgia compared to other regions.
Tick-Borne Diseases Affecting Children
Children are susceptible to several tick-borne illnesses, including:
- Ehrlichiosis: Transmitted by the lone star tick, symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Spread by the American dog tick, it presents with fever, rash, and can be severe if not treated promptly.
- Lyme Disease: Though less common in Georgia, it can cause a characteristic bull’s-eye rash, fever, and joint pain.
- Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A red meat allergy linked to lone star tick bites, leading to allergic reactions after consuming mammalian meat.
Recognizing Tick Bites and Symptoms
Tick bites are often painless and may go unnoticed. Signs to watch for include:
- A small red bump at the site of the bite.
- A rash, potentially with a bull’s-eye appearance.
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle aches
- Neurological symptoms in severe cases, such as facial palsy.
Symptoms can appear within days to weeks after a bite.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
Seek medical attention if your child:
- Develops a fever or rash within a month of a tick bite.
- Exhibits signs of illness after potential tick exposure.
- Has a tick bite that becomes red, swollen, or shows signs of infection.
- Experiences neurological symptoms, such as muscle weakness or facial drooping.
Preventing Tick Bites
To reduce the risk of tick bites:
- Dress Appropriately: When in wooded or grassy areas, have children wear long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and closed-toe shoes.
- Use Repellents: Apply insect repellents containing DEET (up to 30% for children) on exposed skin and permethrin on clothing.
- Perform Tick Checks: After outdoor activities, thoroughly check your child’s body, including hidden areas like the scalp, behind ears, and under arms.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and create barriers between lawns and wooded areas to reduce tick habitats.
Proper Tick Removal
If you find a tick on your child:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking.
- Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
- Dispose of the tick by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag, or flushing it down the toilet.
Prompt removal reduces the risk of disease transmission.
Ticks are a significant concern in the Atlanta area, especially for children who spend time outdoors. Awareness and preventive measures are key to protecting your family. If you suspect a tick bite or notice symptoms of a tick-borne illness, consult your pediatrician promptly for evaluation and treatment.
If needing further guidance or to answer any questions, please feel free to call our practice at 404-252-4611 or submit an appointment request via our ‘Contact Us’ form on our homepage.