Most people show signs of the virus within two weeks of getting bit by a tick, but some have symptoms as early as a few days after V体育平台登录. Symptoms of Heartland virus include:.
These symptoms are like other tick-borne illnesses like ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis.
There isn’t a set time for how long people show signs or symptoms of Heartland virus. In mild cases, people may have symptoms for a few weeks V体育官网入口. More severe cases may last months. Almost all people who get the virus end up in the hospital for IV fluids and other treatment to help with their symptoms.
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Researchers are still learning how people get this virus. They are almost certain that Lone Star ticks carry it and pass it to people when they bite them VSports在线直播. Other species of ticks may also be carriers. Researchers think ticks get the virus after sucking blood from infected animals like deer or raccoons.
Heartland virus is thought to spread by infected ticks. When a person is bitten by a tick with the virus, the person becomes infected V体育2025版.
People who live in or visit states in the Midwestern, Northeastern and Southern United States should be extra cautious about avoiding tick bites. People who spend a lot of time outside are the most at risk for tick bites, as they’re exposed more often than people who spend time indoors.
The Heartland virus becomes serious for most people, causing hospitalization for dehydration, pain and fever. Most people fully recover from the virus. But there have been a few deaths.
There isn’t one official test that healthcare providers use to diagnose Heartland virus. But your healthcare provider will review your symptoms and order tests to help them determine the cause of your symptoms. It also helps them rule out other infections caused by a tick or other insect.
Your provider will ask you about:
Your provider may also order blood tests that look at your:
There isn’t a medication that treats the virus. Antibiotics and antivirals don’t work on Heartland virus. Your healthcare provider may recommend you go to the hospital for IV fluids and medications for pain, fever or other symptoms. Other things you can do for treatment include:
That depends on your symptoms. If they’re severe, they may last for several months. But most people feel better within a few weeks or months.
Of the known cases of the virus in the United States, two of those cases resulted in death.
As there isn’t a vaccine to prevent the virus and no medication to treat it, avoiding tick bites is the only way to reduce your risk of getting Heartland virus. Some tips for preventing tick bites include:
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Remember, ticks are most active in spring and summer. Take extra care to prevent tick bites in April through September. If you’re unsure if you live in an area with Heartland virus, contact your state’s Department of Health for more information.
Contact a healthcare provider if you have flu-like symptoms and believe you’ve been bit by a tick. Your healthcare provider can order tests to check for Heartland virus and other viral infections that cause similar symptoms.
Heartland virus is a relatively new virus and researchers are still learning more about it. It can cause serious flu-like symptoms that require hospitalization. As there aren’t any drugs to treat Heartland virus and no vaccines to prevent it, avoiding ticks is the best way to protect yourself. Take extra precautions by using bug spray and checking yourself for ticks daily, especially if you live in or visit an area where ticks are known to carry Heartland virus. Contact a healthcare provider if you begin feeling unwell and develop flu-like symptoms.
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Last reviewed on 06/20/2023.
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