The initial symptom is an expanding rash at the site of the tick bite. If untreated, the bacteria can infect almost any site in the body. It is treatable with antibiotics. Cases occurs year-round throughout Massachusetts, but most frequently occur during the warm weather on Cape Cod, the North Shore, and Connecticut River Valley. The disease typically appears as a high fever with severe headache and tiredness a rash spreads to the palms of the hands and to the soles of the feet occurs in about half of all cases.
Antibiotics can be effective.
HGE is a bacterial disease that affects certain white blood cells called granulocytes. It typically appears suddenly, with fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, sweating, nausea and vomiting. Antibiotics are effective in treating this disease, but because symptoms can rapidly become life threatening, immediate treatment is necessary. Cases of HGE in Massachusetts have been seen in tick-exposed residents of Cape Cod and the Islands. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.