LymeNet Flash: Tick tested positive

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Tick tested positive - this means???

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Topic: Tick tested positive - this means???

hurtingramma
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7770

posted

My niece's young son got bitten by a tick, had a red spot and a rash. When she called the Dr., they told her to throw it away. Thankfully, she was smart enough to send it in for testing, and it tested positive. The lab (UMass) said that there was no evidence of it having fed. Whatever that means. My interpretation is that it was empty and had regurgitated already, but that's just my take and I'm by no means an expert.

Her duck told her that they don't treat prophylactically, and to wait a few months to see if symptoms appear. They also didn't advise testing for him.

When she asked for my advice, I directed her here and told her to ditch the duck. She is in Fiskville, Ma. Hopefully she'll find the help she needs.

--------------------
"Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love". Mother Theresa

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1629665573&ref=name

Posts: 938 | From Northeast Kingdom Vermont | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110

posted

Hi hurtingramma. I am sorry this boy was bitten by an infected tick. Thank goodness his mom saved the tick to be tested. Since it tested positive, I would recommend that he is treated appropriately. Early infections are the easiest to cure.

What kind of rash did he have? If he still has it, tell his mom to get photos of it. It is important documentation.

I would call pediatrician Dr. J. for advice. If you need his number, feel free to contact me.

Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged |

adamm
Unregistered

posted

You know the drill. Lie, cheat, and sell your soul to make sure
he gets a) enough doxy so that he can treat with the ILADS-recommended course of amoxicillin and b) an appt with an LLMD. My tick hadn't fed either, and I wound up a chronic neuro case.

[ 31. October 2008, 07:25 PM: Message edited by: adamm ]

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hurtingramma
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7770

posted

I don't know what the rash looked like, but I have told my niece to take photos and shared everyone elses thoughts also.

Thanks

--------------------
"Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love". Mother Theresa

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1629665573&ref=name

Posts: 938 | From Northeast Kingdom Vermont | Registered: Aug 2005 | IP: Logged |

bettyg
Unregistered

posted

adam, NO DOXY for young kids... AMOXICILLIN ONLY!

p.17: Antibiotic Choices & Doses From CBB:
Amoxicillin-
****************
Children: 50 mg/kg/day divided into q8h doses.

My pharmacist did the math for me, & it means:
35 lb child - 800 mg per day
70 lb child - 1,600 mg per day
[1 kg=2.2046 lbs]

p.19: Treatment Categories
Early Localized - single erythema migrans rash with no constitutional symptoms.
Children: oral therapy for 6+ weeks.

Dr. Burrascano's most recent "Diagnostic Hints and Treatment Guidelines for Lyme and Other Tick Borne Illnesses" @
http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html

suggests that you discuss with your doctor continuing treatment until you are symptom free for 2 months.

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