LYME DISEASE

Lyme Disease is a crippling illness caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) which are transmitted to humans through tick bites. The number of reported cases of Lyme disease has increased dramatically since its initial discovery in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. The epidemic has become so rampant that it has rapidly become one of the most widespread debilitating illnesses of our time. The disease is spreading quickly due to a variety if factors. Pets and wildlife that run through the fields and woodlands can bring ticks back to suburban locations and backyards. Also, wooded areas where people live or spend leisure time are the natural environments for ticks carrying Lyme disease bacteria.

Exposure to ticks should be minimized, with clothing tucked into shoes and tick repellent products used when in areas of bushes and grass. Careful examination of your body for ticks is also appropriate, as is the case for your children and pets.

Three Stages of Lyme Disease

  1. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, chills, headaches, stiff neck, muscle aches and pains and possibly a distinct rash.

  2. Second stage symptoms occur weeks or months later and include sever headaches, encephalitis, paralysis of facial muscles, abnormal heartbeat, numbness, withdrawal, loss of confidence, lethargy, and other symptoms.

  3. Third stage symptoms occur months or years later and include arthritis, fatigue, and loss of memory. As the symptoms reach this stage of development the effects of Lyme disease is in most cases irreversible, and therefore early detection is critical for effective treatment.

Tick Removal

If you find a tick, remove it using the following procedure

  • Use tweezers to remove the tick.

  • Grasp the tick as close tot he skin as possible using the tweezers.

  • Remove the tick with a steady pull away from the skin. Do not yank or twist the tick which may break off its mouth parts. If you have broken off their mouth parts under your skin, consult your physician.

  • Take precaution not to crush or puncture the body of the tick on you (if you do, wash with rubbing alcohol and then soap and water immediately.)

  • After removing the tick, cleanse your skin with rubbing alcohol and then wash with soap and water immediately.

Debunking Tick Myths

Myth: Putting petroleum jelly or other chemicals on a tick will cause it to release its bite, simplifying its removal.

Myth: Only deer ticks carry Lyme disease.

Myth: Only female ticks can transmit the disease.

Myth: Lyme disease victims always have a bull's-eye rash.

Myth: Lyme disease is a health problem in only certain areas of the country.

Myth: My doctor will be able to tell me if I have contracted Lyme Disease.

Fact: Petroleum jelly or other chemicals will not cause the tick to let go or die. The best way to remove the tick is to carefully pull it out using tweezers.

Fact: Many types are known carriers of disease including Lyme.

Fact: All ticks that actively feed can transmit the disease if they are carriers.

Fact: As few as 30% of all Lyme disease victims show obvious symptoms of the disease including a rash.

Fact: Lyme disease is quickly becoming a global health problem. It has been identified in 48 states, as well as in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Fact: Lyme disease may be difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms mimic those of other disorders. In addition, the Lyme disease microbe is difficult to isolate from body tissues or fluids causing inconclusive, unreliable results. Testing ticks to determine if they carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease is an inexpensive, reliable procedure to quickly determine if you are at risk for Lyme disease.