This Mom’s Graphic Facebook Photo Will Remind Everybody to Beware of Ticks at the Pumpkin Patch

ByElizabeth Licata

Visiting a pumpkin patch is one of the best parts of having kids at Halloween. They have so much fun running around corn mazes and choosing their pumpkins. It’s all great fun. But pumpkin patches are still outdoor areas, and one mother just posted a pretty graphic reminder to watch out for ticks at the pumpkin patch. Because ticks don’t care if it’s pumpkin spice latte season. They just want to suck your blood and ruin your day.

Jennifer Velasquez posted a photo of her leg to Facebook to show the effects of a tick bite.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1592113347515973&set=pb.100001519691942.-2207520000.1508765162.&type=3&theater

“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!” Velasquez wrote. 

Cover up at the pumpkin patch to avoid ticks.

Velasquez was at a pumpkin patch two years ago, and she was wearing flip-flops because she lives in California and it was hot. But while she enjoyed the fall festivities, a tick bit her and gave her Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Rocky Mountain Spotted fever is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. It causes fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach and muscle pain, lack of appetite, and usually a very serious rash. The rash doesn’t necessarily show up at the beginning, which makes RMSF difficult to diagnose. But RMSF progresses rapidly and can be fatal if not treated quickly.

RMSF can even cause permanent damage like paralysis, hearing loss, and amputation of limbs if blood vessels are damaged seriously enough.

Velasquez said she couldn’t walk, her hair fell out, and she almost died. Two years later, she says she’s still recovering.

Velasquez says she’s not telling anyone not go to go pumpkin patches, just to remember to take precautions. When going into tall grass or brush, it’s important to wear closed-toed shoes and long pants and socks. It’s also important to check for ticks after playing outside.

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(Image: iStockPhoto / Feverpitched)

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