This latest article from  Your Local Families Magazine states:

There are over 70 species of tick in Australia, 16 of which are known to feed off humans. Most tick bites pose no long term harm to humans, however, children are at higher risk of a serious and harmful reaction, especially to the bites of paralysis ticks. The majority of Australian tick species can be found along the Eastern Coast, particularly in humid areas.  Serious concerns about tick outbreaks in Sydney are trickling up the eastern seaboard, with the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast areas all at risk. The Gold Coast has been historically named as one of Australia’s hot spots for tick bites.  Ticks love warm humid environments and South East Queensland provides a perfect habitat for them.

Doctors and health care professionals are again imploring parents to CHECK CHILDREN CAREFULLY and, if a tick is spotted, to make sure that sensible and careful removal takes place. Read up on what to do BEFORE this becomes a serious issue in your home.

Tick Hot Spots

The Australian Association of Bush Regenerators recently added The Gold Coast to the list of peak risk areas, joining Coffs Harbour and the NSW central and south coasts.  Tick borne diseases are also common through Brisbane and all along the Queensland coast.

Ticks are common all year round in Australia but are especially active in warmer, humid months after rain.

Symptoms of Tick Bites

In the few days following a trip to bush land or exploring outside, keep an eye out for these symptoms in kids:

Rash (circular or spotted)

• flu like symptoms,
• lethargy,
• breathing difficulties,
• migraine,
• tremors,
• memory loss,
• dizziness
• poor cognition
• stiff neck
• muscle ache
• fever
• localised “burning”

Tick Bite Prevention

Tick-borne diseases occur worldwide, including in your own backyard. To help protect yourself and your family, you should:

• Use a chemical repellent with DEET, permethrin or picaridin.
• Wear light-colored protective clothing.
• Tuck pant legs into socks.
• Avoid tick-infested areas.
• Check yourself, your children, and your pets daily for ticks and carefully remove any ticks.

Please refer to Ticks and tick-borne diseases: protecting yourself

Tick Borne Diseases in Australia

There are more than 70 types of ticks in Australia but the ones most likely to cause problems for people are the Paralysis Tick, The Brown Dog Tick and the Bush Tick.  Co-infections including Rickettsia, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Mycoplasmoiss, Brucellosis and Q Fever have all been reported in Australia.

Ticks are spread by animals.  Dogs and cats are particularly susceptible and should be given regular tick prevention to avoid bringing them into your home.  Bandicoots, kangaroos, cattle, rodents and other “roaming” animals are thought to be responsible for clustered outbreaks (like the recent north Sydney outbreak) and the spread along coast lines.  All coastal regions of South East Queensland, from the Sunshine Coast through to the Gold Coast, are prevalent areas for tick bites.

Ticks live in gardens, grass and bushland, where kids love to explore and play.  Getting kids off the screens and playing outside is so vital, but it’s also why kids are at risk of tick bites in South East Queensland.  Ticks tend to bite in nooks and crannies (and under hair) so it can be hard to do a full tick check after a day’s play outside!

Lyme Disease and MMA Controversy

All ticks can carry tick borne diseases. Brown Dog and Bush Ticks are mostly associated with Lyme Disease-like symptoms** (despite the Lyme Disease bacteria being identified in sick patients, the Australian government insists Australia does not have a Lyme Disease problem – instead referring to it as “Lyme Disease Like Illness”)***.  Paralysis Ticks have been tentatively linked to the recent NSW outbreak of Mammalian Meat Allergy – where those bitten suddenly experience severe anaphylactic reactions to red meat.  While all three are active in South East Queensland it’s the grey Paralysis tick that has parents most worried as it can, and does, cause paralysis in pets and small people.

Useful Links & Resources

Ticks and tick-borne diseases: protecting yourself (AABR)

Tick Bites (Health Direct)

Tick Bite Prevention (Department of Health)

Fact Sheet: Australian Paralysis Tick (Queensland Museum)

Understanding and Preventing Tick Bites (Medline Plus)

Lyme Disease (Department of Health)

Lyme disease fact sheet (NSW Health)

Source
Your Local Families Magazine