As warmer weather approaches, parents often find themselves anxious about ticks, especially if they live near wooded areas. While Lyme disease is a common concern linked to deer ticks, there’s another alarming condition that can arise from these pests: tick paralysis.
When Jessica Hart noticed her daughter Mia behaving unusually at bedtime, she sensed something was wrong. “After her bath, she didn’t want to stand up to get into her pajamas. I helped her into bed,” Hart shared in a now widely circulated post on Facebook. “She was a bit fussy that night, and I ended up staying with her.”
By morning, Mia struggled to walk. Concerned, they recorded a video to share with family and friends for insights before heading to the emergency room.
Upon arrival, the medical staff acted quickly. The attending physician revealed he had seen only a handful of cases like Mia’s in the last 15 years, and he suspected a tick might be the culprit. After a thorough search through her hair, they discovered one. “This condition is known as tick paralysis. It can also affect dogs and can be life-threatening,” Hart explained. “I’m relieved we took her in promptly and that it wasn’t anything worse.”
Unlike Lyme disease, tick paralysis is not caused by an infectious agent but by a neurotoxin in the tick’s saliva. When a tick remains attached for an extended period, it transmits this toxin, leading to paralysis. “In humans, it’s most commonly found in children,” according to Companion Vector Borne Diseases. Initial symptoms include irritability and fatigue, followed by muscle weakness that can escalate if the tick isn’t removed promptly.
In an update, Hart reassured followers that Mia was recovering well. “She started acting like herself again the next morning. Now she’s back to her energetic self, though she does complain about her head itching,” she noted. “My husband and I are still stunned this happened, but we’re grateful our experience can help raise awareness.”
The lesson here is clear: trust your instincts regarding your child’s health. If you notice any weakness or odd behavior, seek medical attention immediately. Also, with tick season upon us, it’s wise to check your children thoroughly after outdoor play.
“We never anticipated our story would resonate this much,” Hart added. “But perhaps our experience will encourage other parents and pet owners to be vigilant. I had no idea this could happen, but we were fortunate to get Mia to the hospital in time.”
To prevent tick exposure, the CDC recommends ensuring children wear protective clothing and use insect repellent containing DEET, especially in grassy or wooded areas where ticks are prevalent. For more information about home insemination and related topics, you can check out this resource or learn more about pregnancy options at Make A Mom, where they provide valuable insights. Additionally, if you have questions about fertility and insurance, you can visit UCSF for excellent resources.
In summary, stay vigilant during tick season, and if your child exhibits concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help.