Can tick-borne infections be transmitted to humans?

Whether tick infection can be transmitted to humans needs to be analyzed according to specific circumstances.

1. No transmission

Ticks are ectoparasites that cause zoonotic diseases. After a bite, they may introduce viruses into the human skin. This could lead to localized inflammation, redness, heat, swelling, and pain; in severe cases, it might even result in sepsis or shock. However, if proper wound cleaning is performed promptly after a tick bite and the tick is completely removed, human-to-human transmission generally does not occur.

2. Possible transmission

If a person infected by a tick fails to seek timely medical care for wound debridement and tick removal, there is a possibility of transmission to others. This is mainly because ticks can spread through close contact. If an infected individual comes into close contact with others, transmission may occur.

After a tick bite, patients may, under a doctor's guidance, apply substances such as ether or kerosene to the tick's head to encourage it to detach naturally. Afterwards, the bitten area should be properly disinfected to prevent infection.