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Lyme disease is a bacterial infection usually contracted from the bite of a deer tick. Not all deer tick bites result in Lyme disease. Ticks become infected when they bite an infected mouse. Spring, summer and fall are prime times for ticks. They remain active as long as the temperature is above 40 degrees. Deer ticks are so small, that they are difficult to see. Many people who contract Lyme disease have never actually seen the tick.
The most unmistakable, classic sign is the bulls eye rash that often develops around the site of the bite. The rash doesn’t always develop, or may be very mild, and unnoticed. It may appear in a few days or up to several weeks after the bite. Other symptoms of Lyme disease are similar to common illnesses like a cold or the flu, that is, fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, tingling, numbness and general fatigue. Symptoms may only last a few days in the early stage. In the late stage, symptoms of joint pain and swelling, or of heart or nervous system disease may occur. Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics in the early stage. Late stage Lyme disease is more difficult to treat.
Deer ticks like cool, moist environments such as tall grasses, bushes, stone walls and wooded areas. Those who work outdoors or enjoy outdoor activities are most at risk. Therefore, avoid sitting directly on the ground, or near stone walls, wood piles or logs. Ticks don’t jump or hop but they can crawl onto the lower body. Wear light clothing and tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. Walk on designated trails if in the woods, and check yourself periodically for ticks, especially if you’re in a known tick- infested area. Insect repellants containing DEET are effective when used on skin or clothing. Follow the label instructions very carefully. Check yourself after returning indoors, including your scalp. Running your clothes through a 30 minute hot cycle in the dryer will kill ticks, as will washing the clothes.
If you do find a tick, the best way to remove it is to pull it out with tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull straight out. Do not use matches or petroleum jelly to get the tick to release its hold. Afterwards, wipe the area with an antiseptic. The sooner the tick is found and removed, the better. Ticks must be attached for at least 24 hours before they can transmit Lyme disease. Save the tick in a plastic bag for identification and possible testing. If you develop symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is important.
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