Cluster of tick paralysis cases--Colorado, 2006

Abstract

Tick paralysis is a rare disease characterized by acute, ascending, flaccid paralysis that is often confused with other acute neurologic disorders or diseases (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome or botulism). Tick paralysis is thought to be caused by a toxin in tick saliva; the paralysis usually resolves within 24 hours after tick removal. During May 26-31, 2006, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment received reports of four recent cases of tick paralysis. The four patients lived (or had visited someone) within 20 miles of each other in the mountains of north central Colorado. This report summarizes the four cases and emphasizes the need to increase awareness of tick paralysis among health-care providers and persons in tick-infested areas.