Programs & Services

Nursing Services - Ticks- Portage County  Health Department

Rosemary Ferraro R.N., B.S.N., Nursing Director

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Office Hours:  8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 Monday through Friday
Contact Information

Ticks
Diseases transmitted by ticks

Certain diseases can be transmitted from ticks to humans. The most common disease transmitted by the tick is Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete (a type of bacterium), called Borrelia burgdorferi.  Not all ticks carry the bacteria; it is transmitted by the black-legged tick also known as the deer tick. 

Lyme disease affects the skin, nervous system, heart, and joints. Lyme disease usually starts with a reddish circular rash at or near the bite site. The rash becomes larger and has a bulls-eye look. Other general symptoms are flu-like with fever, headache, fatigue, and stiff neck or joints.  Lyme disease has to be diagnosed by a physician and sometimes blood work will be ordered.

Tick Identification

Ticks can be brought to Portage County Health Department for us to send them to the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory for Identification and testing. Only live ticks can be tested to see if it carries the spirochete bacterium which causes Lyme disease.

If you have a tick and want it tested please call Portage County Health Department Nurses at 330-296-9919 and they will give you instructions.

Keep the tick alive.  Place if in a pill bottle or film canister.   Only live ticks can be tested.  It is important to include a small-moistened piece of paper towel or napkin (one drop of water to wet the item is sufficient) place in the container with the tick.

Removing Ticks

If squeezed, the tick may involuntarily inject bacteria.  Never attempt to “burn off” a tick with a match.  This will cause the tick to burst and inject more bacterial into the feeding site.  It is best to avoid touching the tick.  Secretions and feces may also be infected.  Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible using fine-tipped tweezers.  If you chose to use your fingers, cover with tissue or rubber gloves.  Pull gently but firmly straight out until the tick pulls free.  Wash the bite site with soap and water and apply an antiseptic.

Additional information available at:

www.cdc.gov.  (Type “tick” into the search bar).

Contact Us

449 S. Meridian St., 3rd Floor, Portage County Admin. Bldg.
Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Ph: 330-296-9919  Fax: 330-297-3597 E-Mail: pchd@portageco.com
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