Retired surgeon, public health director discuss dangers related to tick bites

With the arrival of warmer weather, many people are eager to explore scenic routes and enjoy the great outdoors. However, there is a growing concern about the presence of life-threatening bugs.

This concern has been highlighted by the recent case of Alice Fae Weiland, 81, who was bitten by a tick and developed a dangerous, life-threatening illness called Ehrlichiosis [Er-lick-e-oh-sis].

Jim Moss, a retired surgeon and Alice’s partner, shared the frightening experience of helping Alice and expressed gratitude for her survival.

“I got home a few weeks ago, and she didn’t sound good. She sounded confused, so I went to her house, and she was shaking badly. So I bundled her up in the car, and they admitted her straight into the hospital. She had Ehrlichiosis, and it nearly killed her,” Moss explains, highlighting how terrified he was for her.

Ehrlichiosis is an infectious disease caused by rickettsia (small bacteria found in ticks) and transmitted by the bite of a larger tick than we are used to seeing.

“This tick is not small like a deer tick associated with Lyme disease. It has a small white spot on its back, giving it the name Lone Star Tick,” Moss stressed.

The early symptoms can include fever or chills, headache, malaise, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and an altered mental status, such as confusion.

Commonly, it is confused with the intestinal (stomach) flu and flu.

“People honestly need to be aware of it. Prevention is key; the earlier, the better,” Moss said. “Alice is doing better and is already back to work. It’ll be weeks before she can get back to normal, though. It was scary.”

To reduce the risk of contracting Ehrlichiosis or other tick-borne illnesses, it’s important to be cautious when spending time outdoors.

Marcy Rein, the Public Health Director at the Whitley County Health Department, shared helpful information for people going outdoors.

“When people are outside in brushy, grassy, or wooded areas, they are most at risk for tick bites,” Rein said.

“We recommend wearing insect repellent. We also recommend checking yourself for ticks after you come inside. This means checking your clothes and equipment and then checking your body. Ticks like nooks and crannies, so check areas like behind your knees, at your waistband, where your underwear covers, in your armpits, around your ears, and in your hair. Teach your kids to let you know if they find a tick on themselves. Learn how to remove a tick with tweezers safely. Watch for symptoms after a tick bite and see your healthcare provider if you have concerns,” Rein continued.

Moss said that at least two people in Whitley County have had grave illnesses following a tick bite, both of which had Ehrlichiosis.

“Prevention works and includes the very early removal of a tick in under four hours if possible. For treatment, use deet on yourself and permethrin on your clothes, or the new picaridin can be used on both. The lower the concentration of deet, the less time it works. Strive for more concentration of deet for better results,” Moss informed.

If you are bitten by a tick and have any of these symptoms, please see your primary care provider.

“I hope people have a happy and safe summer and stay aware,” Moss finalized.

For more information about Ehrlichiosis, please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/ehrlichiosis/transmission/index.html.

Remember, when you step outside, prioritize your health and take necessary precautions. Your future self will thank you for it.