Teen Paralyzed by Tick Bite

Experts recommend frequent checks to stop toxin as quickly as possible
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 9, 2008 6:00 AM CDT
Teen Paralyzed by Tick Bite
Tiny ticks can be difficult to spot.   ((c) ninjapoodles)

A 13-year-old Washington boy was temporarily paralyzed last week by a bite from a tick embedded in his hairline, the Seattle Times reports. Though extremely rare, such paralysis is a risk in Western states, where Rocky Mountain wood ticks and American dog ticks are most prevalent. A tick left untreated can result in death. Experts recommend frequent checks for ticks after time spent in grasslands or forests. (More Washington stories.)

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