Ticks, often found in heavily wooded areas, can attach themselves to your skin or clothing. While most ticks are harmless, some of them may transmit organisms which could lead to illnesses such as Crimean-Congo fever and tick bite fever.
Advertisement
Take action:
If a tick is found, remove it immediately. The sooner it's removed, the less chance there is that bacteria will be spread. Don't use bare fingers to remove the tick. Clutch it with fine-tipped tweezers as close to the skin as possible. Don't squeeze or crush the tick, because this may inject more bacteria into the skin. Pull the tick out in a straight line – don't jerk or twist it. Make sure that the head is also removed. If the head remains behind, it could cause a small necrotic ulcer ("veld sore"). Bury, burn or flush the tick or save it in a container in case you develop a tick-borne illness and tests need to be done. Wash your hands as well as the site where you were bitten. Apply antiseptic cream.
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?