Leech bites and allergic reactions

[Jeff]

A mate of mine caught a pathogen not long ago from a leech bite. Apparently his dr sees that regularly enough and that they can be a disease vector. In fact when I was getting checked for Q fever- wich I recommend for people who do a lot of prospecting- they wanted to test my blood for some other leech born pathogens.

 

[Greenhornet_au]

Yep Jeff,

Q Fever can be a real nasty, working with carcasses, meat or animals in the bush or even metro, get checked for having been exposed, before vaxination.
But if not already having antibodies get a vax, it can save you a lot of illness.
Chefs should be vaxed too.

I was not aware of leeches passing on pathogens so easily or regurgitating back into the blood stream, will note that.

 

[Sandbagger]

Same goes for ticks. No lighter or burning! Smother ticks with vaseline. They can't breathe and have to let go. That way you don't break off their teeth in your skin.

Baz.