1. Tick-borne illness information
2. Tick-borne disease prevention.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : As we bask in the warm summer weather and embrace outdoor activities, it’s important to be mindful of the lurking dangers that tick season brings. Lyme disease, the most prevalent tick-borne illness in the United States and Europe, poses a significant threat to our health. In this edition of “Take Care,” Dr. Raghavendra Tirupathi, the Medical Director at Keystone Infectious Disease, sheds light on Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases, offering valuable insights to help keep ourselves safe.
What exactly is Lyme disease, you may ask? Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of infected deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks. The risk of contracting Lyme disease is highest in specific regions of the United States, where about 10–50% of deer ticks are carriers of the bacteria. These high-risk areas include Eastern states, The Great Lakes Region, Northern Midwestern states, and the West Coast.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives approximately 30,000 reports of Lyme disease annually from state health departments. However, some estimations suggest that as many as 476,000 individuals may be affected by the disease each year. Pennsylvania leads the nation in reported cases of Lyme disease, with up to 30% of all cases originating in the state.
Lyme disease is primarily transmitted through the bites of deer ticks, with the risk varying based on geographic location, tick type, and the duration of attachment. Ticks must be attached for more than 24 hours and feed for over 36 hours to become engorged with blood and capable of transmitting the disease. The risk of transmission increases after 72 hours. It’s crucial to note that an unattached tick does not pose a risk of transmission, and Lyme disease is not spread through person-to-person contact.
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a tick bite, prompt and proper removal of the tick is essential. Utilize curved tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible, and avoid using substances like petroleum jelly or liquid soap for removal, as these may aggravate the tick. Pull the tweezers gently and firmly backward to remove the tick, without twisting or crushing its body. After removal, wash the skin and hands thoroughly with soap and water, and keep an eye on the bite area for any signs of a developing rash.
In the event of a tick bite, it’s important to monitor for symptoms of Lyme disease, such as rash, fever, headache, fatigue, or joint pain. Seeking medical advice promptly is recommended if any concerning symptoms arise. Diagnosis of Lyme disease is primarily clinical, with blood tests used to confirm the presence of Lyme disease antibodies, typically after 6 weeks.
While tick testing is discouraged by the CDC for decision-making regarding antibiotics, consulting a healthcare provider or local lab for testing may be beneficial. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease are crucial in preventing complications such as facial nerve palsy, meningitis, cardiac issues, chronic arthritis, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Prevention is key when it comes to Lyme disease. Avoiding tick bites by staying away from grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, sticking to the center of trails during outdoor activities, and conducting thorough tick checks on yourself and pets can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Using tick repellents containing active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, and treating clothing with permethrin can further enhance protection against ticks.
In conclusion, staying vigilant and taking proactive measures to prevent tick bites are essential in safeguarding against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. By following expert advice and practising proper tick removal techniques, we can enjoy the great outdoors safely and responsibly. Remember, when it comes to Lyme disease, prevention is always better than cure..
1. Tick-borne illness information
2. Tick-borne illness prevention.
