(jT. H. F. Nuttall 
101 
Case 13. Willie R, June 15, 1909; male, age 11. Complained of 
weakness for two days, morning of third day could not stand upon feet; 
by noon of the same day paralysis had extended to hips and involved 
the sphincters. By evening hands and arms involved. First seen at 
lip. m., when muscles of throat were also paralyzed, tongue protruding, 
druling excessive, tempei’atnre 99°, pulse 84, respiration 47, pulse soft 
and weak. Examination revealed one large tick distended with blood 
attached near the crown of the head. Two hours after removal the 
symptoms of the throat wei’e improved, respiration 32. By morning 
temperature 98’6°, pulse 74, respiration 20, paralysis in feet and lower 
limbs, phonation possible with a complete recovery in four days. (Signed) 
E. T. Anderson, Weiser, Idaho.’ 
It is apparent that death in case No. 12 was due to the age of the 
child, with little resistance. Case No. 13 shows all the typical symptoms 
of the ascending character of the jDaralysis and describes most clearly 
the process of invasion and recoverj^ 
I have had considerable correspondence with staff members in the 
Department of Entomology, Washington, D. C., and from such correspon¬ 
dence and the bulletins sent to me I note there is a great variety of ticks 
infesting our western slope, and also from this particular region. I have 
sent three ticks from Eastern Oregon... 
The progress of paralysis is apparently quite rapid, being from 
3 to 5 days from time of beginning to a complete paralysis and often 
death. Suffice to say the treatment is the removal of the tick by 
application of coal oil (petroleum), or creoline, which loosens the hold. 
The prognosis is favourable if paralysis has not advanced to the stage 
of affecting the organs of respiration or the heart. 
In conclusion, I acknowledge that the reports herewith are not 
classical in their character, and much of the report is taken from 
memory, that there is apparently considerable difference in the 
description and symptoms as given by Drs Gregg, Kirby and myself, 
but in the main features we are of one opinion, namely : 
That there are certain species [of tick] capable of producing 
complete paralysis, of an ascending character, and also death. 
That the motor nervous system is affected and that the sensory 
nerves are not disturbed. 
That it does not produce any changes in the brain or cord as 
recovery is rapid and complete when the tick or ticks are removed in 
the early stage of the paralysis and a local irritation seems to be 
the predominating feature. 
