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Last updated on Wednesday, August 27, 2014
(SALEM) - Washington County Sheriff Claude Combs has released details about his illness that caused him to crash his police vehicle, earlier this month.
Combs says he is suffering from an illness caused by a tick bite.
On August 13, Combs crashed while driving home from the doctor after suffering a high fever he became progressively more ill and lost consciousness while driving home.
According to an Indiana State Police report, 65-year-old Combs suffered a medical issue causing him to lose control of the police car as he was traveling west on State Road 60, just west of Henderson Park Road. The accident happened at 2:44 p.m.
The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe traveled across the eastbound lanes, off the roadway, striking a ditch which caused the vehicle to flip several time before coming to a stop.
Combs, who was wearing his seat belt, was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital in Salem. Combs was hospitalized.
Doctors have determined a tick bite led to his illness after numerous blood test..
His symptoms so closely matched those of a viral infection that doctors treated him for that over the past weeks. But the medicines he was given weren't strong enough.
He has now started a 10-day course of very strong antibiotics that he's hopeful will eliminate his fever, lack of appetite and lethargy.
Combs warns anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after being bitten by a tick to seek medical treatment immediately.
Combs, who is a Christian, wants to thank everyone sent prayers his way.
"People have been really concerned and a lot have been praying for my recovery," he added.
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