More than 40 species of ticks, including 5 in North America can cause paralysis.
Typically occurs in children younger than 10 years.
Occurs when a gravid feeding tick excretes a neurotoxin into its host.
Paralysis gradually resolves following the removal of the tick.
Untreated patients may develop respiratory failure and death.
All children with generalized flaccid weakness must be examined for the presence of a tick.