Woman Shares Photo of What Her Leg Looked Like After a Tick Bite

There isn’t just one “look” to a tick bite — it can manifest in many dangerous ways throughout your body. Yet it’s still all too common for people to dismiss the risks associated with ticks. One woman turned to Facebook to share the painful consequences of her tick bite, and a word of warning for others spending time outdoors.

Jennifer Velasquez posted a photo of her leg covered in a red rash earlier this month, with a caption explaining that this is what her leg looked like two years ago when she was bit by a tick at a pumpkin patch in Southern California and contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The post has been shared over 11,000 times.

After seeing all the cute pictures of families at the pumpkin patches, this is a reminder for everyone, When you go to these pumpkin patches and petting zoos and all those fun fall activities, wear pants, long socks and shoes! Make sure you check for tics! This was me 2 years ago after being bit by a tick and contracting Rocky Mountain spotted fever at a pumpkin patch. I Couldn’t walk, my whole body was in pain, my hair fell out, and I almost died. I’m still healing from all this. Don’t be dumb and wear flip flops like me. CHECK FOR TICKS!

She also added that she’s not advocating avoiding pumpkin patches, just checking for ticks and covering up even if it’s hot outside.

“Tick borne illnesses have exploded recently in southern California despite being told we don’t have ticks out here,” Velasquez wrote.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a potentially fatal disease spread through ticks and characterized by fever and a spotted rash, though not everyone experiences these symptoms. Ticks are often believed to only affect the Northeast and upper Midwest United States, but they have been found in every county in the U.S., and scientists warned that even more cases of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses than usual were expected this year.

Many people commented on Velasquez’s post, thanking her for raising awareness about the dangers of ticks.

“I hope you’re better and thanks for sharing! We are all looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch! It’s good to know there are necessary precautions to take,” one commenter wrote.

“Thank you for sharing. I have Lyme disease and people need to be educated! There is way too much ignorance surrounding this disease and it’s real cover up,” another said.