Some victims also will have arthritic episodes, especially in large joints such as the knee, that may continue for three to four years. Some neurological problems also may occur, such as swelling of the brain and meningitis. This can cause some memory problems, and mood and sleep disturbances that can continue for 10 years or longer. Animals, including household pets, also can get Lyme disease. Tick-borne illnesses are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Some varieties even harbor more than one kind of disease.
The Lone Star Tick prefers human blood. If a tick does attach itself to you, use tweezers to grasp it by the head at the surface of the skin, and gently pull it straight out. Don't crush the tick's body or get its body fluids on your fingers. If you don't have tweezers, use a tissue. According to the Tarrant Country Health Department, using a hot match or petroleum jelly for removal is not very effective.