Health Page: Tick Season Is Here, Parents Warned To Protect Children

As warmer weather arrives on Cape Cod, the risk of tick bites and the serious illnesses they can cause increases. Among the most vulnerable are young children, who may not notice or communicate symptoms of illness. Cape Cod Healthcare urges parents to take preventive measures and seek immediate medical attention if a child is bitten by a tick.

Lyme disease-causing bacteria can enter the body within 36 to 48 hours of a tick bite.

"Prompt detection, proper tick removal, and, when appropriate, preventive antibiotic treatment can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses," said Dr. Joao Tavares, infectious disease specialist at Cape Cod Healthcare. "This is particularly important for children, who may not always recognize or report a tick bite."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children ages 5 to 9 have historically had one of the highest reported incidences of Lyme disease among individuals under 20 years old. Symptoms in children often include fever, headache, fatigue and a distinctive “bullseye” rash in most cases.

Because Lyme disease symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other common childhood illnesses, daily tick checks are essential after outdoor activities, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Parents are urged to follow these guidelines for prevention: Use insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin as directed; encourage outdoor play in mowed or maintained areas; conduct full-body tick checks daily.

Parents should consult their child’s healthcare provider immediately if a tick bite is detected or if symptoms of Lyme disease appear. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can transmit babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and powassan virus, some of which pose serious health risks. 

 “Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in preventing tick-borne illnesses,” said Dr. Tavares. “A combination of vigilance, protective measures, and prompt treatment can make all the difference in keeping children safe this season.”