Be Prepared When Traveling During Peak Tick Season

SAINT ANTONIO – A mild winter has increased tick-borne diseases in certain parts of the country.

While it’s rare in Texas, doctors want to warn people about where you can travel.

Alli Goeckel’s job is very active as general manager of the Elsewhere beer garden in River Walk.

“I love being active. I manage my staff. I manage our events. I do everything from A to Z here with the inventory, the orders,” Goeckel said.

However, about a year ago, his active life came to a halt when he discovered a bullseye-shaped rash on his forearm, shaped like a bull’s-eye.

“I couldn’t feel my hands, my toes, my joints. And then I couldn’t remember where I was or who I was,” she said.

Goeckel went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with Lyme disease.

“I went to an infectious disease specialist and they did a lumbar puncture. That’s when they saw it spread to my brain and my entire nervous system,” she said.

Serious illness is a rare diagnosis in Texas.

“Only a specific type of tick will cause or transmit Lyme disease and the others,” said Dr. Ralph Riviello, director of emergency medicine at University Hospital and UT Health San Antonio.

Riviello said the tic is more common in the areas in which he has worked for most of his career.

“The upper Midwest, New England, the mid-Atlantic, and further south along the coast,” he explained.

With people traveling this summer during bad tick season, he said to check the CDC website to see if the ticks are bad where you go. there is even a map showing where previous cases of Lyme disease have been reported.

If you go to one of those common areas, wear insect repellent, long clothes, and socks if you are outside doing activities like walking.

“Make sure you check for ticks after you come in. They can be attached to any part of your body, and some parts of your body cannot be seen, so check your family and children,” Riviello said.

If you are bitten by a tick, experts recommend using clean tweezers. Make sure to get them as close to the skin as possible and pull them straight up. Make sure you don’t crush the tick in the process.

You can then take a plastic bag, place the tick inside, and seal it so that if it starts to experience symptoms, you can take it in for testing.

Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a rash that is either a full bullseye or a paler circle in the middle.

Riveillo and Goeckel said the same thing: If you experience symptoms, tell your doctor you were bitten by a tick to get tested.

“For other people who have been bitten and don’t see a ring but have all these symptoms, at least get tested,” Goeckel said.

“If you get bitten by a tick in Texas, I wouldn’t worry too much,” Riviello said.

He said you would only need to see a doctor if you start to experience symptoms.

However, prompt attention may be needed in the Northeast, where Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses are prevalent.

“I would consider visiting an ED or possibly an emergency department to talk to them about getting prophylactic antibiotics. Those antibiotics are to prevent disease,” Riviello said.

Goeckel still has symptoms, so he sees more doctors, but keeps his head up.

“I can’t let that stop me or be a victim… It’s changed a lot for me,” she said.

Goeckel continues to work but taking care of himself when necessary.

“I’ve been very lucky to have staff and bosses who take care of me in that sense, make sure I’m okay,” she said.

She hopes it can serve as a reminder to be careful outside, check for bites and listen to your body.

“I use an aggressive amount of bug spray now. I bought a special lotion. I go home now and check my body every day,” said Goeckel, who isn’t taking any chances.

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