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Overview:
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Paralysis resulting from a
tick byte.
Hard- and soft- bodied
female ticks are thought to produce a neurotoxin capable of
causing paralysis in children. Ticks attach to the skin to feed on
blood. It is during this feeding process that the toxin enters the
bloodstream. The resulting paralysis is ascending (starting in the
lower body and moving up). Affected children develop an unsteady
gait (ataxia) followed several days later by lower extremity
weakness that gradually moves up to involve the upper limbs.
Paralysis may cause loss of respiratory ability and ventilatory
assistance may become necessary.
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Vector:
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American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
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Causative Agent:
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Neurotoxin excreted from the tick's salivary
gland.
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Endemic Area:
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Rare reports across the entire United States,
including Dutchess County, NY
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Incubation Period:
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5-7 days
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Classic Symptoms:
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Fatigue
Flacid paralysis
Tongue and facial paralysis
Convulsions
Death
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Lab Test(s):
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None
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