What is a tick? Ticks are small, eight-legged creatures classified as Arachnida (a classification that includes spiders). There are over 800 species of ticks worldwide, and only two families of ticks transmit disease or illness to humans. Ticks must ingest blood to complete their complex life cycles. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Where do ticks occur? Ticks are present in many parts of the world and Africa is no exception. Ticks occur mainly in rural and wild areas of South Africa. How do you get tick bite fever? The bite of an infected tick can cause tick bite fever. The bite of newborn ticks, often called pepper ticks because they are so small, can still transmit the infection. In reality, these small ticks are difficult to see and therefore are often responsible for the transmission of tick bite fever. There are two types of tick bite fever. The most common type in game reserve areas is called African tick bite fever and usually causes a milder infection. How to avoid being bitten by a tick during a Safari? There is no vaccine or medicine that prevents African tick bite fever. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing tick bites. We suggest the following: Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers when hiking in the reserve, particularly for safari walks and stops. Try to walk in the center of the paths and do not brush unnecessarily along the tall grass. An insect repellent containing a chemical called DEET (Tabard or Peaceful Sleep) can help keep ticks away. Spray repellent on shoes, socks and trousers. Examine yourself (and your family or friends) for ticks after each game excursion to verify that no ticks have become 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 while to transmit rickettsia. Once found, they should be removed immediately to reduce the risk of contracting tick bite fever. It is best to remove a tick using a pair of tweezers. Pull firmly but gently as close to the skin as possible. Do not crush the tick. Try to ensure that no mouthparts are left behind. Don't crush the tick with your fingers. Dispose of the tick or store it in a container if you think you have been bitten. It is then a good idea to wash your hands and the area affected by the bite with antibacterial soap. 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 scab surrounded by inflammation on your skin. The most common symptoms are: Keep in mind: This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Headache, often severe Fever Joint and muscle pain. When you visit your doctor, remember to mention your recent trips to a wilderness area/hiking trail.