Tick Leaves Nearby Toddler Paralyzed

Yesterday we introduced you to the tick disease called the Pawassan virus. It causes brain swelling and death in 10% of cases. Now a toddler in Oregon has been paralyzed by a tick. 

The tick carrying Lyme Disease and the Pawassan virus is said to be mostly in the Northeastern part of the United States. That's one reason many of you said we shouldn't be alarmed or feel threatened by the virus, but this story brings the situation much closer to home.

The Lewis family in La Grande, Oregon was stunned when all of a sudden their 3 year old went from being in a cranky mood to not being able to stand.

When they took their daughter to the hospital the doctor their suspected that their daughter Evelyn may have been bitten by a tick. He combed through her hair and there it was a tick they had picked up during a trip to the mountains.

Luckily, once the tick was removed their daughter started to get better and was pretty much back to normal within 24 hours.

Don't let her recovery fool you though, tick paralysis can cause respiratory problems and even death.

According to the Idaho Statesman, tick paralysis can occur with 40 different types of ticks.

Symptoms usually begin 5 to 7 days after the tick attaches itself to the skin.

Let this serve as a warning to be very careful this summer. Be aware of ticks, check yourself and your children when you return from camping or hiking, and always wear repellent with 20% DEET.