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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing Article Summaries |
Understanding Lyme DiseaseBy Katherine Riddle, Belgrade Health Officer
Spring and summer are upon us and so are those pesky bugs. There have already been a large number of ticks spotted on people and their pets, so be sure to check your hair and clothing every time you are in the woods, dunes or tall grass where you might come in contact with any ticks, spiders or any other stinging or biting insect. Cover up with long sleeves and tuck your pants in your socks. Insect repellent (select one that includes tick coverage) is also advised. Lyme disease is a bacterial tick-borne infection that affects humans, dogs, horses and other animals. Since 1986, there have been more than 100 cases confirmed among Maine residents, primarily in York and Cumberland counties in southern Maine. It is just beginning to appear in inland areas. Deer ticks (jet black, slightly smaller than a black fly) are the only known carriers of bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Adult or nymphs can transmit the infection and it is believed that they must remain attached to the skin for at least 24 hours for the infection to occur.
The first and classic sign of Lyme Disease ia a doughnut-shaped circular rash that appears around the site of the bite after 7-10 days. Other symptoms may include: hives, facial swelling, redness of the eyes and flu-like symptoms (headache, fever, stiff neck, aches in joints and muscles and fatigue). These symptoms decline over a period of a few weeks. The diagnosis is made by a visit to your medical provider and treated with the appropriate antibiotics. If untreated, more serious symptoms may appear. These include: arthritis in large joints, stiff neck and weakness in the arms, legs or chest. Prompt medical treatment at the onset of symptoms will likely prevent any serious complications. TIP: to remove embedded tick, use tweezers to grip the head of the tick and pull gently and firmly until the tick lets go. Do not handle the tick with your bare hands. If you would like to have a tick you find identified, place the tick in rubbing alcohol (in a sealed container) and pack it carefully in a crush-proof container with your name, address, and telephone number and send it to:
This information is condensed from reports by the Center for Disease Control. For more information visit the Lyme Disease Resource Center of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. | ||||
