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Lyme Disease
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted by the deer
tick (Ixodes scapularis). Lyme disease may cause symptoms affecting the
skin, nervous system, heart and/or joints of an individual. The New York
State Department of Health is aware of about 23,000 cases in the state
occurring since Lyme disease became reportable in 1986.
How is Lyme disease spread?
Not all deer ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
Ticks can become infected if they feed on small animals that are infected.
The disease can be spread when a tick infected with the bacteria bites
a person and stays attached for a period of time. Lyme disease cannot
be spread from one person to another.
Who gets Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can affect people of any age. People who spend time in
grassy and wooded environments are at an increased risk of exposure. The
chances of being bitten by a deer tick are greater during times of the
year when ticks are most active. Deer ticks in the nymphal stage are active
from mid-May to mid-August and are about the size of poppy seeds. Adult
ticks, which are approximately the size of sesame seeds, are most active
in mid to late Fall. The risk of exposure to infected deer ticks may be
statewide.
What should I do if I find a tick on myself?
It is important that a tick be removed as soon as it is discovered.
If removal occurs within twenty-four hours of attachment, the risk of
tick-borne infection is substantially reduced. To remove an attached tick,
grasp the tick's mouthparts with tweezers or forceps as close as possible
to the attachment (skin) site, and pull upward and out with a firm and
steady pressure. If tweezers are not available, use fingers shielded with
tissue paper or rubber gloves. Do not handle with bare hands. Be careful
not to squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick which may contain
infectious fluids. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite
site and wash hands. See or call a doctor if there is concern about incomplete
tick removal or if your child develops any symptoms of Lyme disease. Do
not attempt to remove ticks by using petroleum jelly, lit cigarettes,
or other home remedies because these methods may actually increase the
chance of contracting a tick-borne disease.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Early symptoms may develop within a week to a few months of the tick
bite. In about half of the cases, a large, reddish rash about two inches
in diameter appears and expands around or near the site of the bite. Sometimes
multiple rash sites appear. Other symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue,
stiff neck, muscle, and/or joint pain may develop. If left untreated,
within a few weeks to months, complications such as meningitis, facial
palsy, or heart abnormalities may occur. Later symptoms may develop in
people who did not have early symptoms or did not recognize them. Swelling
and pain in the large joints may recur over many years.
How is Lyme disease treated?
Current therapy includes the use of antibiotics. Prognosis is improved
with prompt diagnosis and appropriate, early treatment. It is possible
to get reinfected after being treated for Lyme disease, so proper precautions
should continue to be taken to protect yourself when they go outdoors.
What can be done to prevent the spread of Lyme disease?
Check yourself after every two to three hours of outdoor activity for
ticks attached to clothing or skin. Special precautions to prevent exposure
to ticks should be taken such as wearing light-colored clothing and tucking
pants into socks and shirts into pants. Repellents containing DEET applied
to skin or clothing may prevent tick attachment. Permethrin, a product
capable of killing ticks, can be sprayed onto clothing; make sure to follow
label instructions carefully. Use repellents sparingly and with care,
as they may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Avoid application
to damaged or exposed skin, and avoid prolonged or excessive applications,
especially in children. The control of rodents around the home may also
be helpful.
Source: NY State Department of Health
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