Nature is the home to an incredibly versatile array of species, but ticks are definitely one of those that we tend to avoid at all costs.
These tiny arachnids, that are related to spiders, mites, and scorpions, are in fact parasites that survive by attaching themselves to larger animals and feeding on their blood. Humans aren’t spared either. Sadly, these insects carry harmful bacteria that can spread disease to people.
Sadly, tick-borne diseases are at an all-time high, with about 50,000 cases reported each year, and far more going unreported.
There are different types of ticks, and unfortunately, they sometimes find their way to people’s homes. The types most commonly found in homes are the black-legged tick, the dog tick, and the brown dog tick.
- Black-legged Ticks – known as deer ticks, these ticks are typically brown or black in color and have a flattened, oval-shaped body. They are commonly found in wooded areas and can transmit Lyme disease.
- Dog Ticks are larger and can range in color from brown to reddish-brown. They have a tough, shield-shaped body. Dog ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Brown Dog Ticks are brown in color and have a slender body.
Although the tick season is between March and October, or sometimes longer, we should be wary of this insects all year round. In fact,if beaten by a tick, a person can develop symptoms even after two or three months.
The bite itself isn’t painful and can cause swelling, itchiness, blistering, and bruising. The bad thing is that ticks also carry and transmit severe diseases, most commonly Lyme disease, as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
Initially, Lyme disease develops as a circular red ‘bull’s eye’ rash around the site of a tick bite. However, not everyone gets a rash and you should also watch out for a flu-like illness with fever, headache, tiredness and general aches and pains.
The best way to prevent being bitten by a tick is to avoid tall grasses and areas where ticks thrive (such as moorlands and woodlands), especially during the warmer months.
In case you do get bitten, you should remove the tick as soon as possible in order to prevent infections.
These are some of the ways of safe removal.
- Use fine-tipped tweezers: Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull gently: Apply steady upward pressure, being careful not to squeeze or crush the tick. Aim to remove the tick in one smooth motion without twisting or jerking. Twisting or jerking can cause the tick’s head to break off and stay inside the skin, where it can still transmit disease.
- Clean the area: After removing the tick, clean the affected area with soap and water or an antiseptic solution. Monitor the site of the bite for any signs of infection or a rash, and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.
If by any chance ticks find their way into your home, take immediate action in order to prevent infestation. Most times, ticks are brought into your home in case they stick on your clothes or onto your pets.
- Isolate the area: If you have identified the presence of ticks in a specific area, keep pets and children away from that space.
- Wear protective gear: Put on gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from potential tick bites.
- Clean the area: Clean the area where you found the tick. If it is in bedding, wash the sheets. Inspect the area to ensure there are no more ticks that are present. Dispose of the tick by either flushing it down the toilet or sealing it in a container or ziplock bag before placing it in the trash.
11-year-old dies because of online trend – now family is warning others about the household item that took his life
Youngsters frequently lack awareness of the consequences of adopting trends they see online, including the fact that they may pose a serious risk to health.
Due to something that happened to their young kid, this family is suffering through the most terrible catastrophe. They are now alerting others about this. Continue reading to learn more.
The family of an 11-year-old child who died as a result of a horribly dangerous social media trend is in mourning. In order to prevent anyone else from becoming a victim of the same thing, the family now wishes to warn others and encourage parents to speak with their kids.
A concerning pattern among youths on TikTok resulted in the demise of Tommie-Lee Billington, an 11-year-old from Lancaster, England.
This comes after, according to The Sun, two adolescent females perished while taking part in the same “challenge” on the app.
It all began on Saturday while 11-year-old Tommie was spending the night at a friend’s house. Then, after viewing a challenge on the TikTok app, the guys “huffed.”
This entails breathing in hazardous gasses or intoxicating chemicals. Spray deodorant, glue, and dry shampoo are a few examples.
Tommie’s heart stopped instantly when he and his companion chose to follow the TikTok fad. The hospital team said he passed away immediately. The family is currently grieving the 11-year-old’s untimely death.
His mother Sherry has advised other parents to have a conversation with their kids and to get them off of TikTok. She posted an appeal on Facebook, saying, “My son lost his life because he tried something that other youngsters were doing. Please discuss the repercussions of this with your kids. I don’t see why someone would even attempt this! It’s really risky!
“I’ve never experienced such agony.” My tornado. I adore you so much, my friend. My little boy. I shall cherish you always in my heart. She posts on her Facebook page, “I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that your name and beautiful face become the reason that other children’s lives will be saved and other families don’t have to suffer this deep, deep hurt.”
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