MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department is reminding residents to protect themselves and their families from tick bites as warm weather brings more people outdoors.
“Tick bites are often symptom-free and harmless,” said Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “But if a tick is attached for more than 24 hours, you can develop symptoms like a rash, fatigue, fever, or flu-like illness. If you notice redness, swelling, signs of infection at the bite site, or a bull’s-eye–type rash, seek medical care. Symptoms can appear anytime from about three to 30 days after a bite. Current research also shows that some tick bites can trigger a delayed food allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome, which causes allergic reactions to red meat and other mammal products.”
Ticks are commonly found in bushes, grass, trees, and piles of leaves, and they can easily get on pets or people. They tend to move to warm, moist areas of the body, such as under the arms, behind the ears, along the hairline, behind the knees, and between the legs. “It is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible after a tick bite, even if you do not yet have symptoms,” Dr. Michaels said…