Lyme Disease
Transmission:
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection (Borrelia burgdorferi), often transmitted by a bite from an infected deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Ticks are found in wooded areas and yards. Ticks crawl (not jump) onto a host and bury their mouthparts into the skin in order to feed off the host's blood. They may remain undetected by the host for several days before dropping off when they are done feeding.
Symptoms:
One of the earliest symptoms of Lyme Disease is an expanding red rash. Only 60-80% of infected people will develop the rash. Flu-like symptoms including fever, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, fatigue or swollen glands are other early warning signs. It is important to be aware of these and consult a physician when experiencing them. Blood tests are available for Lyme Disease detection. These, however, may not always detect the disease in some individuals.
Treatment:
Lyme Disease can be difficult to diagnose. It usually takes 4-6 weeks after infection for enough antibodies to be produced to be detected in a blood test. If caught early, Lyme Disease can be treated with antibiotics. Untreated, it can cause serious complications of the central nervous system, joints, eyes and heart. Contact your physician early if you think you may have Lyme Disease.
ACTUAL SIZE (left to right) of larva, nymph, adult male, adult female, and enlarged adult Ixodes ("Deer Ticks") and Adult male and female Dermacentor ("Dog Tick"). Dog ticks are not carriers of Lyme Disease. |
Protection:
Avoid wooded and tall grass areas. Wear light colored clothing when going into such areas. This makes it easier to spot ticks. Tuck pants into socks. Apply tick repellant to clothing before going outdoors. Repellants are available over-the-counter. Read and follow directions carefully. Protect your pets. Dogs, cats, horses and cattle can get Lyme Disease also. Dogs and cats can bring ticks indoors on their fur. Perform tick checks after returning from the outdoors. Carefully check body folds and scalp for ticks. Check pets also.
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| Drawing by K. Wolff |
Tick Removal:
Upon finding a tick embedded in your body, remove it promptly and carefully. Use tweezers to grasp it by its mouthparts close to your skin. Pull upwards gently and repeatedly until it releases its hold. Avoid squeezing the tick's abdomen as this may separate it from the mouthparts. Do not use matches, petroleum jelly, or alcohol in the removal process.
Tick Testing:
Place tick in a small zip-lock bag or other small container with grass clippings. Submit tick promptly to the Health Department for testing. The Norwalk Health Department will identify the tick. Those ticks identified as Deer Ticks are forwarded to the CT State Agriculture Experiment Station for Lyme Disease testing.
Tick Control:
Ticks will not survive in dry environments. Keep yards free of leaf litter and debris. Cut grass and tall weeds regularly. Several pesticides will kill ticks when applied to yards. Treat yards for ticks from mid May to early June.
Other Tick Diseases
Babesiosis, (a malaria-like illness) is transmitted by deer ticks. The disease can be fatal in the elderly, immunosuppressed persons or those without spleens. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is transmitted by the dog tick. Infection is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, which may include fever, headache, muscle pain and rash. The rash may include the palms of hands and soles of feet. Although rare (Connecticut has 2-3 cases per year), Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever can be fatal if left untreated.
NOTE: Dog ticks are not carriers of Lyme Disease.
