Mom Discovers Tick in Son's Hair as She Tucks Him to Bed (Exclusive)

A Mother’s Experience with a Tick and the Lessons Learned

A recent incident involving a tick found on a child's scalp has sparked a conversation about the importance of vigilance when it comes to these tiny but potentially dangerous creatures. The story began when Stephanie Gorecki, a mother from Illinois, discovered a tick attached to her 9-year-old son after he had spent the day playing outside. This moment led to a series of events that not only changed her family’s routine but also highlighted the need for awareness about tick-borne illnesses.

Gorecki was initially shocked upon finding the tick in her son's hair. Her immediate concern was the possibility of Lyme disease, given that a close family friend lives with the condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ticks can transmit various bacteria, viruses, and parasites, including Lyme disease, Bourbon virus, and Colorado tick fever. Common symptoms of these illnesses include fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, and rash.

The CDC recommends removing any tick as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. There is no need to wait for a healthcare professional, but if symptoms develop after removal, consulting a doctor is essential. With this knowledge, Gorecki quickly removed the tick and placed it in a plastic bag, an action she later described as instinctual.

She then posted a video of the event on TikTok, which gained over 129,000 views. The video attracted a lot of attention, including unsolicited advice from self-proclaimed “doctors” suggesting antibiotics. However, Gorecki emphasized that antibiotics should not be used unnecessarily, as this can lead to resistance issues.

To manage her concerns, Gorecki reached out to a trusted friend who is a nurse practitioner. This conversation helped ease her fears and provided reassurance that the tick had likely been attached for only a short time. In the following days, her son showed no symptoms, and to this day, he remains healthy.

Six weeks later, Gorecki shared a follow-up video showing the tick still alive inside the sealed plastic bag labeled "May 4." This post received over 15 million views, with many comments and suggestions, including naming the tick Rick. Gorecki found it interesting that the tick could survive for so long and noted that ticks are known for their resilience.

Inspired by the community, Gorecki sent the tick to a testing lab called Ticknology for $40. The lab tests for 10 different diseases. She recently received the results, which were reassuring: the tick tested negative for all major diseases.

Since the incident, Gorecki has learned a great deal about ticks, their types, and the illnesses they can carry. She realized that some people face these challenges more frequently than others. She now encourages others to share their stories and provides a platform for those experiences.

As a result of this experience, Gorecki has added a new step to her family's nightly routine: tick checks. She checks her children every day, and they have come to enjoy the process, likening it to a head massage. She emphasizes the importance of checking under arms, on the scalp, and in clothes, as ticks can burrow and go unnoticed.

Gorecki is also teaching her children how to check themselves. She explains that ticks are everywhere and act as disease vectors. Her experience has reinforced the importance of being vigilant and proactive in preventing tick bites.

This story serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and education about ticks and the potential health risks they pose. By taking simple precautions, individuals can protect themselves and their families from these tiny but significant threats.