What kind of tick is this? - Ask Extension
What kind of tick is this? I found this embedded in my son, I wanted to double check it wasn’t one that carried Lyme disease. Thank you so much
Knowledgebase
What kind of tick is this? #875839
Asked July 03, 2024, 3:08 PM EDT
What kind of tick is this? I found this embedded in my son, I wanted to double check it wasn’t one that carried Lyme disease. Thank you so much
Columbia County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Sara,
Sorry your son got a tick bite.
That is a black-legged tick (an Ixodes species). I can't seen enough detail in the photos to be able to tell which Ixodes species it is though.
The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in the Pacific Northwest and studies indicate that other Ixodes species are also able to transmit Lyme disease. However, the most recent data indicates that only about three to eight percent of western black-legged ticks in Oregon actually carry the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, so most bites in our area won't result in Lyme disease.
In addition, both adult and immature ticks can transmit Lyme disease, but they must typically be attached to the host for 24 - 48 hours before they can pass the bacterium to humans.
If you have concerns about the tick bite, you could pass this tick identification information on to your son's doctor and could see what they would recommend.
Best wishes!
Sorry your son got a tick bite.
That is a black-legged tick (an Ixodes species). I can't seen enough detail in the photos to be able to tell which Ixodes species it is though.
The western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in the Pacific Northwest and studies indicate that other Ixodes species are also able to transmit Lyme disease. However, the most recent data indicates that only about three to eight percent of western black-legged ticks in Oregon actually carry the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, so most bites in our area won't result in Lyme disease.
In addition, both adult and immature ticks can transmit Lyme disease, but they must typically be attached to the host for 24 - 48 hours before they can pass the bacterium to humans.
If you have concerns about the tick bite, you could pass this tick identification information on to your son's doctor and could see what they would recommend.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much, I appreciate that information.
It was on my son for about 72 hrs, that’s why I was concerned, but I am just watching for symptoms, thank you for looking into this, I appreciate it!!
Sara
On Jul 11, 2024, at 11:52 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
