What is a tick? Ticks are small, eight-legged creatures classified as arachnids (a classification that includes spiders). There are more than 800 species of ticks worldwide and only two families of ticks transmit diseases to humans. Ticks must ingest blood to complete their complex life cycle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Where Do Ticks Occur? Ticks are found in many parts of the world and Africa is no exception. Ticks mainly appear in rural and wild areas throughout South Africa. How do you get fever from a tick bite? The bite of an infected tick can cause tick bite fever. The bite of baby ticks, often called pepper ticks because of their small size, can still transmit the infection. In fact, these small ticks are difficult to see and are therefore most often responsible for transmitting fever through tick bites. There are two types of tick bite fever. The most common type in game reserve areas is called African tick bite fever and usually results in a milder infection. How to avoid being bitten by a tick while on safari? There is no vaccine or medication that prevents African fever from tick bites. Travelers can protect themselves by avoiding tick bites. We suggest the following: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when in the reserve, especially during walks and safari stops. Try to walk in the center of the trails and not brush. unnecessarily along tall grass. Insect repellent containing a chemical called DEET (Tabard or Peaceful Sleep) can help keep ticks away. Spray your shoes, socks and pants with the repellent. Check yourself (and your family or friends) for ticks after each playtime to ensure no ticks have attached. Check carefully under the arms, behind the knees and in the groin area. What is the best way to remove a tick? Ticks must remain attached for a period of time to transmit rickettsiae. Once discovered, they should be removed promptly to reduce the risk of tick bite fever. It is best to remove a tick using tweezers. Pull firmly but gently as close to your skin as possible. Do not squeeze the tick. Try to make sure no mouthparts are left behind. Do not crush the tick with your fingers. Discard the tick or keep it in a container if you think you have been bitten. It's a good idea to wash your hands and the bitten area with antibacterial soap afterward. If you find a tick on your body, do not smother it with petroleum jelly or burn it with a lighter. What are the symptoms of African tick bite fever? Most people become ill 5 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected tick. . You will most likely see a small dark brown or black crust surrounded by inflammation on the skin. The most common symptoms are: Keep in mind: This is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized trial Headaches, often severe Fever Joint and muscle pain. When visiting your doctor, be sure to mention your recent trips to a wilderness area. /hiking trail.