BEWARE OF LYME DISEASE

What is Lyme Disease?

•Lyme disease is an illness caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi

•It may be spread through the bite of certain types of ticks.

•Lyme disease in humans can have serious symptoms but can be effectively treated.

How can I get Lyme Disease?

•Ticks live in and around wooded areas.

•Ticks get infected when they feed on mice, squirrels, birds and other small animals that can carry the bacterium.

•Ticks then spread the bacterium to humans.

•Tick bites are usually painless and most people do not know they have been bitten.

•Blacklegged ticks are responsible for the spread of Lyme Disease

•People can’t spread Lyme disease to each other.

•Pets carry infected ticks into homes and yards.

•Hunters may be at greater risk of contracting Lyme disease because they spend more time in habitats where ticks tend to live.

Common symptoms:

There are two common signs to tell if you have Lyme disease, and they are: A developed red circular rash known as a bull’s eye rash; there is a 70% to 80% chance you will develop this rash after a delay of 3 days to 1 month. The rash may be between a quarter size up or up to 10 inches in diameter (30 centimeters across). It is very important to see the doctor right away if you think you might have Lyme disease. Additional symptoms include:

•Fatigue

•Chills

•Fever

•Headache

•Muscle and joint pain

•Swollen lymph nodes

If untreated, the second state of the disease, known as disseminated Lyme disease, can last up to several months and the symptoms include:

Central (for example, meningitis) and peripheral (for example, facial nerve paralysis) nervous system disorders

•Multiple skin rashes

•Arthritis and arthritic symptoms

•Extreme fatigue and general weakness

The third stage can last months to years with symptoms that can include arthritis and neurological problems.

Treatment for Lyme disease:

Lyme disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics (takes two to four weeks):

•Doxycycline,

•Amoxicillin

•Ceftriaxone

•Penicillin

Patients diagnosed in the later stages of the disease require up to eight weeks maximum, of antibiotic treatment.

How to remove a tick:

•Using tweezers, grasp tick near the mouth parts, as close to the skin as possible

•Pull tick in a steady upward motion away from skin

•Do not use kerosene, matches or petroleum jelly to remove ticks.

•Disinfect site with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.

•Record the date and location of the tick bite. If rash or flu-like symptoms appear contact your health care provider immediately.

•Disease risk is reduced if tick is removed within 36 hours.

•Do a thorough body check for ticks after being outdoors.

Contact Community Health for more information-613-575-2341