Tick Information
Ticks are more than just pests. They can carry diseases that affect both humans and animals. Understanding ticks is crucial for staying safe and healthy.
A tick is a small arachnid that is part of the mite subclass, with eight legs and a flat, oval-shaped body. They feed on blood by attaching themselves to the skin of their host with specialized mouthparts.
Ticks are known for their ability to transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tick-borne encephalitis. They are often found in wooded or grassy areas, especially in warm, humid climates, and can remain attached to their host for several days while feeding. Recognizing ticks and taking steps to avoid them is key to preventing the health risks they pose.
See the informational flyer below from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on tick removal and prevention:
Folleto sobre eliminación de garrapatas en la sala de salud_Español
Act 120 of 2024, which amended the Public School Code of 1949 - Health Services, took effect on December 29, 2024, after being enacted into law on October 29, 2024. This amendment requires a school nurse, school physician or designated employee of a school entity to remove a tick from a student in accordance with guidelines issued by the Secretary of Health.
Parents will be notified if a tick is removed from their child. After removal, the tick shall be preserved for the parent or guardian of the student to send to the Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania for testing if they choose to do so. Information will be provided to the parent or guardian on how to send the tick to the Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania.
Following the removal of a tick, parents should contact their child’s physician to discuss to discuss if prophylactic treatment for tick-borne disease prevention is indicated and any medical concerns. Depending on the type of tick and how long it was attached, antibiotic prophylaxis might help to prevent Lyme disease.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, children should be monitored for symptoms of tick-borne disease for 30 days. Common symptoms include: rash, fever, joint or body aches, and headaches. Less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If your child shows any of these symptoms, they should see a health care provider.
Lyme Disease is a common illness caused by ticks in Pennsylvania.
Seek medical treatment for your child if you notice any symptoms 3-10 days after tick removal. Not all tick bites lead to tick-borne illness like Lyme disease.
More information and resources on ticks can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website and on the CDC website.