Tick bite

Bite - tick

Tick bites can sometimes be more serious than mosquito or flea bites, because of the potential of ticks to carry a variety of infections. They vary depending what part of the world you are in, but include rickettsia and other types of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Because ticks can carry more than one type of infection, those bitten can be infected with more than one pathogen at the same time, making diagnosis and treatment difficult

If you see a tick on the skin, try to remove it as quickly and carefully as possible. Ensure you remove the head and do not leave it lodged in the skin. The area should be cleaned as soon as possible with soap and water, and then a disinfectant

Ticks tend to be more active during warmer months, though this varies in different climates and parts of the world. Areas with woods, bushes, high grass, or leaf litter are likely to have more ticks. Limit your exposure by wearing light-coloured clothing fully covering your legs and arms, tucking pant legs into socks, and checking for ticks frequently

Tick bites develop into a swollen, red, beadlike lump on skin. Symptoms from an infected tick include body aches, fever, fatigue, joint pain and rashes