Ticks: The tiny pests with big health risks

A tiny arachnid parasite that can be found worldwide, ticks are a common pest in Australia and are a big problem during the warmer months between October and January. While they may appear harmless, contact with these creatures can cause significant health risks to both humans and animals.

This article will explore where you could encounter ticks, how they can bite and what you should do if you do see one on your skin. It will also delve into some of the more complex health conditions that ticks can cause.

Ticks are a blood sucking arachnid. They belong to the Ixodidae family and they are an ectoparasite; this means that they live outside their host, typically on the skin. They anchor themselves to the skin using their backwards facing barbs and a specialised mouthpiece called a hypostome.

Around the world, more than 900 species of ticks have been discovered; several are commonly found in Australia but the paralysis, the bush and the brown-dog ticks are the most popular.

A tick’s feeding mechanism is unique and quite sophisticated. After it has located a suitable host, it will insert its hypostome under the skin where it will make a microscopic incision and secrete a substance that prevents the blood from clotting. This allows them to feed continuously on the blood for several days.

Where are ticks found in Australia?

According to the Australian Department of Health and Aged care, Ixodes holocyclus, more commonly known as the paralysis tick, is the culprit behind 95% of human bites in eastern Australia. It states that most tick-borne illnesses can be attributed to this species. However, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, known as the brown-dog tick and Haemaphysalis longicornis, known as the bush tick are also prevalent.

You’ll find all of these in grasslands, bush areas and coastal areas right across the country as well as in urban environments. It is a myth that there are no ticks in cities and towns; while they may not be as common, these parasites can be found almost anywhere in the country.

Why are ticks dangerous?

Ticks are dangerous because they carry bacteria, viruses and other pathogens which can pass through their saliva as they feed and ultimately transmit various diseases to their hosts.

In addition, some people may experience an allergic reaction which can range in severity from an itchy nose and eyes, to anaphylaxis. And as the name indicates, the paralysis tick, which has neurotoxins in its saliva, can cause life-threatening paralysis if not treated rapidly.

There are a number of health conditions that ticks can cause, most of which are Rickettsial diseases which are caused by the Rickettsia bacteria carried by the parasites. Outlined below are some of the most common diseases that Australian ticks can spread.

Queensland Tick Typhus:

This is a Rickettsial disease which causes flu symptoms such as fever, headaches, muscle aches and swelling around the bite. This type of disease is usually found in ticks around the east coast of Australia and on the Torres Strait Islands off the coast of Victoria.

While it’s not life threatening, those who suspect they have contracted the disease should book either a physical or online doctor's appointment as the typical treatment is a seven day course of oral doxycycline, which requires a script..

Flinders Island Spotted Fever:

Flinders Island spotted fever (FISF) is another tick-borne disease that can be found right across the country. Symptoms usually begin one to two weeks after a bite and include fever, headache, muscle pain, bursts of joint pain and a particular type of rash. Possibly the most common symptom, the rash has both raised and flat lesions or splotches, although it can change in appearance over the course of the illness.

Once again, an in-person or online doctor consultation is necessary, as FISF is typically treated with a course of antibiotics.

Lyme Disease:

Lyme disease is an unusual one in Australia as the government has stated that there is no evidence those infected with it contracted it within the country. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms in case you have been travelling or on holidays and contracted it unknowingly.

Fatigue, fever, joint pain and a bull’s-eye rash that begins around the bite are the early symptoms of Lyme Disease. If antibiotic treatment isn’t given in the early stages of infection, the symptoms can persist long-term for up to six months. Some patients who don’t respond to treatment experience long term issues with exhaustion, pain and cognitive dysfunction. So, If you suspect you may have Lyme Disease, you should book in for a consultation with your doctor.

Preventing tick bites and tick-related illnesses

Given the risks associated with tick bites, it’s essential that you take steps to reduce the risk of one, particularly when you’re in an area where the pests are prevalent.

● Wear protective clothing when you’re in grassy or bushy areas. Keep your arms and legs covered and tuck the ends of your pants into your socks to reduce the risk of a tick attaching.

● Make sure to use a tick repellent on your skin and on your clothing. This should contain DEET or picaridin and should be applied generously.

● Perform tick checks after you’ve been outdoors and pay close attention to hidden areas such as the back of the neck, behind your ears and in the scalp.

● Correct removal of ticks. If you do find one on your skin, it should be removed swiftly, but you must do this correctly by using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the parasite as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull upward with pressure but be careful not to crush the tick. After the removal, you should clean the bite site with antiseptic.

When to seek medical attention

If you start to develop any symptoms you should seek advice from a healthcare practitioner as early treatment can prevent the escalation of tick-borne illnesses.

With the nature of the bite, an online doctor's appointment will suffice. Prime Medic is an online family clinic which provides this service 24/7, because you never know when something like this could happen. You can book an online consultation with one of our doctors at any time, day or night, and should you require medication, our team of experts can write you an online script for this.

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