Lyme disease a big danger during summer

Much has been said and written about the approaching challenge of dealing with COVID-19 when the next flu season begins in the fall.

The disease caused by the novel coronavirus produces symptoms similar to the flu. If there’s a wave of COVID-19 cases arriving while influenza is taking hold, it could cause serious confusion and pose a heavy burden on the health care system.

People need to be aware that there’s a similar issue taking place during the summer.

The state Department of Health recently issued a warning regarding the dangers of Lyme disease and the need to prevent contracting it.

Pennsylvanians need to take proper steps to prevent against tick bites and recognize the symptoms of Lyme disease, some of which are similar to those of COVID-19.

Lyme disease symptoms include:

• A red, swollen bulls-eye shape rash;

• Fever;

• Chills;

• Headache;

• Fatigue;

• Muscle and joint aches;

• Swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Diarrhea

• Chills

• Shaking with chills

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell People experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention. Whether it’s Lyme disease, COVID-19 or something else, it’s imperative that it be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that symptoms of Lyme may appear in as few as two days or as long as 30 days after exposure. Symptoms such as arthritis, heart and neurological issues may appear months later. Some cases result in serious illness or death.

Of course the best course of action is to avoid getting sick in the first place. In the case of COVID-19, everyone should know the drill by now. Prevention means social distancing, wearing masks in public, frequent handwashing, keeping surfaces clean and staying at home when you’re not feeling well. Many Pennsylvanians have been doing this, and it’s working.

Prevention of Lyme disease is all about avoiding tick bites. Be vigilant when you’re outside, particularly in wooded and bushy areas, places with high grass and leaf litter and even in your yard. The state recommends these steps to reduce your chances of a tick bite.

• Walk in the center of trails and avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter;

• Use a repellent that contains at least 20% DEET;

• Wear light-colored clothing;

• Conduct full-body tick checks on yourself and on your pets after spending time outdoors; and

• Take a bath or shower within two hours after coming indoors.

• If you have been bitten by a tick, monitor the area for symptoms and contact your health care provider immediately.

Health officials noted that ticks can carry Lyme disease along with other dangerous illnesses that can be severe if not treated properly. According to the state, preliminary data show that more than 8,500 cases of Lyme disease were reported in Pennsylvania in 2019, and there’s been a recent increase in emergency room visits related to tick bites,

“It is essential that all residents know the proper ways to protect themselves against ticks and are aware of the dangerous diseases they can carry,” Health Secretary Rachel Levine said. “We want all Pennsylvanians to get outside and be healthy but do so in the safest way possible.”

We wholeheartedly agree. Pennsylvanians are fortunate that they no longer have to stay cooped up at home most of the time as they did for much of the spring. There’s no need to be frightened of the potential for illness, but some basic awareness of safety precautions will go a long way toward keeping all of us safe as we try to make the best of this most unusual summer.