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ISDH Home > Publications > School Communicable Disease Guide > Tick Borne Infections Tick Borne Infections

 

Clinical Description
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacterium and is acquired through the painless bite of a tiny tick named Ixodes scapularis, more commonly known as the "deer tick." Lyme disease usually begins with a characteristic rash, which begins as a red papule and expands to a larger reddened area, typically with partial center clearing. The rash may appear anytime within 3 to 31 days after the tick bite. Other symptoms may accompany the rash, such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, pain in the joints and muscles, mild neck stiffness, and a nonproductive cough. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious health problems.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is characterized by a sudden onset of moderate to high fever, 3 to 10 days after tick attachment. The fever ordinarily persists for 2 to 3 weeks. Significant malaise, deep muscle pain, severe headaches, chills, and conjunctival infections are typical symptoms. A rash appears on about the third day and spreads to the palm, soles, and then the rest of the body. There is a significant fatality rate in untreated cases.

Ehrlichiosis is caused by an organism transmitted by ticks. It is clinically similar to Lyme disease and RMSF.  A person may develop Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis from the same tick bite.

Incubation Period
For Lyme disease, the incubation period ranges from 3 to 31 days, typically 7 to 10 days.  For RMSF, the incubation period is from 3 to 14 days.

Mode of Transmission
These tick borne diseases are only transmitted through bites from infected ticks.

Period of Communicability
Tick borne diseases are not transmitted person-to-person.

Exclusion/Attendance
There are no specific control measures for schools found in Indiana communicable disease laws or rules for tick borne diseases.  For other information on laws and rules regarding tick borne diseases see Rule 410 IAC 1-2.3 Sec. 64,80 and 94 at http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/comm_dis_rule.pdf

Prevention/Care

  • If a tick is found on a student, remove it immediately. To remove a tick, use tweezers to firmly grasp the body close to the skin and pull it straight out. If tweezers are not available, the fingers may be with the use of a tissue, foil, or wax paper to prevent direct contact with fluids from the tick. Do not twist or jerk the tick because the head may become embedded in the skin. Contact a health care provider if the mouth parts do become embedded. Wash the area and your hands after the tick has been removed.
  • Contact caregivers of child about the tick bite. They should be instructed to seek medical evaluation if the student develops a febrile illness or rash over the next 3 to 4 weeks.

 

Other Resources
Indiana State Department of Health Quick Fact Links:
          http://www.in.gov/isdh/22115.htm
          http://www.in.gov/isdh/22236.htm
          http://www.in.gov/isdh/21373.htm

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Links:
         www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm
         http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/submenus/sub_rmsf.htm
         http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/ehrlichia/Index.htm

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