1. Czym są kleszcze?

Kleszcze to małe pasożyty, które żywią się krwią ludzi i zwierząt. Często występują na trawiastych terenach, w lasach, ogrodach oraz w miejscach, gdzie przechodzą zwierzęta domowe lub dzikie zwierzęta. Ukąszenie kleszcza zwykle jest bezbolesne, więc wiele osób nie zauważa go od razu. W niektórych przypadkach kleszcz może pozostawać przyklejony do skóry przez godziny, a nawet dni, zanim zostanie wykryty.

2. What Happens When a Tick Bites?

When a tick bites, it attaches tightly to the skin and begins feeding on blood. The bite may first appear as a small red bump. Some people may feel itching, mild swelling, or irritation around the area. However, the danger is not always the bite itself, but the germs that some ticks may carry.

The longer a tick remains attached, the higher the risk of infection in certain cases. That is why it is important to remove the tick as soon as possible and clean the bite area carefully.

3. Common Symptoms After a Tick Bite

After a tick bite, mild redness or itching can be normal. However, you should watch your body closely for several days or weeks. Warning symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, muscle pain, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, or a spreading rash.

A rash that grows larger over time can be a sign of a tick-borne illness. Some people may also experience chills, weakness, or flu-like symptoms.

4. Diseases Ticks Can Spread

Ticks can carry and spread several diseases. One of the best-known is Lyme disease, which may cause fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and sometimes a spreading rash. If left untreated, it can affect the joints, nerves, or heart.