Lyme disease can tick people off
We have all heard many stories about Lyme disease.
noticed a tick on me after being out in the woods and it caused me to think about Lyme disease. Below I will discuss what the disease is about and how to prevent it.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spirochete bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi), which is transmitted to people by the bite of the tiny tick Ixodes scapularis, or deer tick. Deer ticks are found in vegetation and on animals in grasslands, marshes and wooded habitats. Due to the small size of these ticks, bites often go undetected. Though more prevalent during the warmer months, Lyme disease can occur in any season.
Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. The earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. Diagnosis is often difficult. Early symptoms include a rash or red patch, often slowly expanding over several days to as large as 18 inches in diameter; flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever or chills; as well as stiff neck and/or muscles; difficulty with concentration and memory; and fatigue. Pain, swelling and an elevated temperature may occur in one or more joints if the disease is left untreated. If you notice any of the above symptoms lasting for several days (whether or not they follow a tick bite), see your physician.
The best way to prevent contracting Lyme disease is to be aware of tick habitats. However, if you enjoy or work in the outdoors, taking precautions can decrease your risk. Wear a hat, a tucked in shirt with snug collar and cuffs, long pants with the cuffs tucked into your socks and shoes or boots. Light colored clothing will help you detect any ticks that may climb aboard. Apply insect repellent on your clothing and repellent collars on your pets. Brush off clothing and pets before entering the house. Undress, shower and check your skin for ticks. They usually crawl about for several hours before biting. Wash all clothing immediately to remove any hidden ticks.
If you find any ticks attached, remove them with fine pointed tweezers by gently, repeatedly and patiently tugging at the point where the mouthparts enter the skin. Do not squeeze the tick’s body. Wipe the bite area with antiseptic.
Save the tick in a sealed jar of alcohol labeled with the date, body location of the bite and the location where you were when you acquired the tick. This information may be useful to your doctor. Make an appointment with your physician because, if left untreated, Lyme disease can cause symptoms of arthritis and can cause problems with the heart and the nervous system.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their website is www.wildlifemiss.org. The opinions in this column are Cummins’ and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Starkville Daily News or its staff.