Must-Know Tick Disease Symptoms
Not every tick bite causes illness, but symptoms may appear anywhere from several days to a few weeks after a bite. Knowing what to watch for can help you seek care early.
Common symptoms of tickborne disease may include:
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue or unusual tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash, including a bull's-eye or expanding rash in some cases
- Nausea or loss of appetite
South Carolina is home to several tick species that can carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI). Since symptoms of tickborne diseases often overlap with other illnesses, a medical evaluation is important if you've recently had a tick bite or spent time in wooded or grassy areas.
If you're experiencing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures, chest pain, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical care immediately.
How Do You Get a Tick Bite?
Understanding where tick bites happen most often can help you take simple steps to reduce your risk while enjoying the outdoors.
Spending Time Outdoors
Ticks live in wooded areas, tall grass, brush, and leaf litter. Outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, yard work, and gardening can increase your risk of exposure. Even neighborhood parks, backyards, and trails throughout the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina may have ticks during warmer months.
Contact with Animals and Wildlife
Ticks often attach to deer, rodents, dogs, and other wildlife before coming into contact with people. Pets can also carry ticks indoors, increasing the chance of exposure for your household. Wearing long sleeves and pants, using EPA-approved insect repellents, checking yourself and your pets after spending time outside, and removing ticks promptly may help reduce your risk.
How We Evaluate and Diagnose Tickborne Disease
If you've recently been bitten by a tick or have developed symptoms after outdoor exposure, our providers will perform a thorough evaluation.
During your visit, we will:
- Review your symptoms and medical history
- Discuss when and where the tick bite may have occurred
- Examine the bite site and any rash or skin changes
- Perform a physical examination
- Determine whether laboratory testing or additional evaluation may be appropriate based on your symptoms and clinical findings
Different tickborne diseases require different approaches to diagnosis, so testing recommendations may vary depending on your individual situation and how long you've been experiencing symptoms. Our goal is to help identify the most likely cause of your illness and guide you toward the appropriate next steps in your care.
Prompt Care for Tick Bites and Tickborne Illness
If you've been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms that may be related to a tickborne disease, don't wait to be evaluated. Early assessment can help determine whether additional testing, treatment, or follow-up care is needed.
Based on your symptoms and evaluation, tick bite treatment may involve:
- Supportive care to help manage symptoms
- Prescription medications when clinically appropriate
- Additional laboratory testing, if needed
- Follow-up care or referral for further evaluation when necessary
Don't ignore symptoms after a tick bite. Walk into your nearest Prisma Health Urgent Care or book ahead to reserve your spot in line and receive prompt, compassionate care.