Remove an attached tick with fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin and steady traction; do not burn or coat it
Grasp close to the skin and pull steadily outward. Oil, heat and twisting can agitate the tick, force infected fluid into the skin and leave mouthparts behind. Record the date. Report the bite if fever, rash or fatigue appears in the following weeks.
What it takes
One pair of fine-tipped tweezers.
What you may gain
Coating, burning or twisting may provoke release of pathogen-containing fluid into the skin and leave embedded mouthparts behind.
Context & considerations
Record the removal date. Mention the bite proactively if fever, rash or fatigue develops over subsequent weeks, since otherwise illness can be mistaken for a routine respiratory infection. TODO: official annual incidence and fatality figures for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China were not obtained.
Research & references
US CDC. What to Do After a Tick Bite: use clean fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin and steady even pressure; avoid petroleum jelly, heat, nail polish and other substances intended to make the tick detach because these may agitate it and force infected fluid into the skin. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/after-a-tick-bite/index.html