Tick Information and Lyme Disease

Lyme disease: is a bacterial infection that is spread by ticks. You may develop Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected tick. The longer the tick stays attached to your skin the more likely you will be infected provided the tick is carrying the disease.

Tick removal: Remove the tick right away, the sooner you remove it, the less chance of infection. Use either a tick-removing device or fine point tweezers. Do not squeeze the tick's body; grab it where its mouthpart enters the skin and tug gently and repeatedly, until it releases its hold by withdrawing its barbed mouth part from the skin. Save the tick for reference in jar with alcohol covered and label with date , location it was on body and where you believe the tick was acquired. Wipe the bite area with antiseptic and or wash with soap and water.

Signs and Symptoms: Monitor site where tick was attached. Look for a slowly expanding skin rash at the site. Often this rash appears in a circular form but not always. The rash usually appears within a week to a month after the bite and can slowly expand over several days. Other symptoms include headache, joint pain and flulike symptoms, such as body aches and mild fever. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause serious complications including arthritis, brain infection or heart abnormalities.

Diagnosis: is based on clinical findings and Lyme titer (blood test) may be drawn to confirm the diagnosis. Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications and more serious cases of Lyme disease.

Treatment: Lyme disease it treatable , usually by antibiotics.

Prevention: of Lyme disease include: Avoid high risk, wooded area. Check yourself and your children daily and remove them promptly and wash area. Wear long sleeves and pants to devrease exposure when in wooded areas. Use insect repellent when outdoors. Check your pets for ticks frequently and remove promptly.

Sources: US Dept. of Health and Human Services www.webmd.com , www.lymediseaseinformation.com

For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html