A Family’s Warning After a Sudden, Devastating Tick-Borne Illness

• Caused by Rickettsia rickettsii (transmitted by dog ticks).
• Can progress rapidly: Untreated, it can be fatal in 5–10 days.
• Early signs: Fever, headache, muscle aches—often NO rash initially.
• Later: Rash (starts on wrists/ankles), confusion, organ failure.
• Treatment: Doxycycline—must be given early to be effective.

3. Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE)

• More common in Europe/Asia, but related viruses exist in the U.S.
• Causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Why This Is So Dangerous

• Ticks are tiny: Nymph-stage deer ticks are poppy-seed size—easy to miss.
• No pain: Tick bites don’t itch or hurt, so people often don’t notice them.
• Symptoms mimic the flu: Many dismiss early signs until it’s too late.
• Time is brain: With infections like Powassan or RMSF, delayed treatment = permanent damage or death.

What You Can Do: Prevention & Early Action