Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever: A Lesser-Known Danger

When it comes to tick-borne diseases, most people immediately think of Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in the United States by far. While Lyme disease is certainly a serious threat, as proven by 475,000+ new infections estimated to occur each year, there are other tick-borne illnesses that we should also be aware of. One such disease is tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF), which is caused by a different bacterium than Lyme disease but presents with similar symptoms.

Where does tick-borne relapsing fever come from?

TBRF is transmitted most often to humans through the bite of an infected soft tick. These ticks are typically found in the western United States, although cases have been reported in other parts of the country as well. The symptoms of TBRF are similar to those of Lyme disease and can include fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and a rash. However, unlike Lyme disease, the rash associated with TBRF is not a bulls-eye rash, but rather a spotty rash that can occur anywhere on the body. In St. Louis, the odds of encountering such a disease are low, but environmental changes are starting to expand the range of many ticks throughout the United States.

St. Louis tick control is best from the professionals

Like Lyme disease, early diagnosis and treatment of TBRF is crucial. If left untreated, TBRF can cause serious complications, such as meningitis and heart failure. Fortunately, TBRF can be treated with antibiotics, but it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you may have been infected. One of the best ways to defend yourself and your family from TBRF and other tick-borne diseases is to implement tick control measures. This is where Mosquito Squad of West St. Louis County comes in.

Who to trust for tick control in St. Louis

Our St. Louis tick control services are highly effective at reducing tick populations on your property, which can significantly decrease your risk of tick-borne illness. With the help of our tick barrier treatments, we can guarantee a dramatic reduction in the tick population on your property. Further, our highly trained technicians know where ticks are most likely to be found and will treat those areas thoroughly for optimized defense. Tick-borne relapsing fever is no joke and can cause serious long-term consequences. Defend against it with tick control from Mosquito Squad of West St. Louis County. Give us a call at (636) 735-7132 .