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Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of certain species of ticks. The species of ticks that carry Lyme disease can be found in Kentucky. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Early (3-30 days after tick bite): An expanding rash that looks like a bullseye, with a red outer rim and clearer center, called erythema migraines. This rash first occurs at the site of the bite and may occur elsewhere on the body. The rash may not be noticed because of the location of the tick bite. A person with early Lyme disease may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, or muscle aches.
Symptoms
Early (3-30 days after tick bite): An expanding rash that looks like a bullseye, with a red outer rim and clearer center, called erythema migraines. This rash first occurs at the site of the bite and may occur elsewhere on the body. The rash may not be noticed because of the location of the tick bite. A person with early Lyme disease may also have flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, headache, or muscle aches.
Late (days to months after tick bite):, the joints, nervous system, and heart may be affected. Arthritis, facial palsy, and meningitis are late symptoms.
Late (days to months after tick bite):, the joints, nervous system, and heart may be affected. Arthritis, facial palsy, and meningitis are late symptoms.
Spread
Lyme disease bacteria are spread through the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick (or deer tick). The tick must be attached and feeding for 36 hours for transmission to occur. Not all deer ticks carry the bacteria, only a small percentage of tick bites result in Lyme disease.
Spread
Lyme disease bacteria are spread through the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick (or deer tick). The tick must be attached and feeding for 36 hours for transmission to occur. Not all deer ticks carry the bacteria, only a small percentage of tick bites result in Lyme disease.
Contagious Period
Lyme is not contagious person to person.
Contagious Period
Lyme is not contagious person to person.
Exclusion
Exclusion
No exclusion necessary.
Causes
Causes
Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete bacterium.
Incubation
Incubation
It usually takes one to 32 days from the time a person is bitten by an infected tick until early symptoms develop. Late symptoms may appear weeks to months, even years, later.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Avoid tick-infested areas. Stay on paved or well-mowed paths and avoid contact with tall grass and shrubbery.
Wear protective clothing when in the woods or tall grassy areas. Tuck pants into high socks, wear a long-sleeved shirt tucked into pants, and wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to see.
Use repellents containing permethrin on clothing. Repellents containing DEET can be used on clothing and uncovered skin. These repellents can be toxic, especially for children, so contact your health care provider, pharmacist, or the Health Department for information on safe and proper use.
Check for ticks on clothing and entire body while outdoors and when returning indoors. Check pets for ticks before letting them indoors.
Remove ticks promptly. Ticks attached for less than 24 hours are not likely to transmit bacteria. Grasp the tick at the mouthparts with tweezers or tissue and pull gently but steadily straight back. Do not squeeze the tick’s body; this may cause the tick to inject bacteria into you.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Provider: The disease is reportable to the local or state health department.
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Lyme Disease.pdf
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