LD is most commonly transmitted by a tick bite (usually painless). The tick
vectors include Ixodes scapularis (Deer Tick), Ixodes dammini (Deer tick),
Amblyomme americanum (Lone Star Tick) and Ixodes pacificus.Ixodes dammini
was thought to be the only species responsible for transmission until it
was shown to be the same as Ixodes scapularis in 1993. The Deer and Lone
Star ticks can be found in New Jersey. The ticks prefer to live in wooded
areas, low growing grassland, seashores and yards. Depending on the location,
anywhere from less than 1% to more than 90% of the ticks are infected with
spirochetes.
The Deer tick has a 2 year life cycle and must feed 3 times. In the larvae
stage, it is tan, the size of a pin head and feeds on small animals like
the mouse where it can pick up the spirochete. During the nymph stage the
tick is the size of a poppy seed, beige or partially transparent and feeds
on larger animals such as cats, dogs and humans. The adult ticks are black
and/or reddish and feed on cattle, deer, dogs and humans. The Lone Star
tick is grey with a white dot.
April through October is considered the "tick season" even though
Lyme disease is a year round problem. Ticks are very active in the spring
and early summer.
LOCATION
Cases of Lyme disease have been reported in virtually every state, although
the Northeastern, Great Lakes, and Pacific Northwest areas are particularly
endemic.
SYMPTOMS
Lyme disease is called the "Great Imitator" because it can mimic
many other diseases, which makes diagnosis difficult. A rash can appear
several days after infection, or not at all. It can last a few hours or
up to several weeks. The rash can be very small or very large (up to twelve
inches across). A "bullseye" rash is the hallmark of LD. It is
a round ring with central clearing. Unfortunately, this is not the only
rash associated with Lyme. Various other rashes associated with LD have
been reported. One bite can cause multiple rashes. The rash can mimic such
skin problems as hives, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy, flea bites, etc. The
rash can itch or feel hot or may not be felt at all. The rash can disappear
and return several weeks later. For those with dark skin the rash will look
like a bruise. If you notice a rash, take a picture of it. Some physicians
require evidence of a rash before prescribing treatment.
Early Symptoms: Several days or weeks after a bite from an infected tick,
a patient usually experiences "flu-like" symptoms such as aches
and pains in their muscles and joints, low grade fever, and/or fatigue.
TREATMENT
Lyme Disease is treatable. Antibiotics are recommended for a minimum of
four to six weeks. More chronic cases may require a longer treatment. Some
physicians are combining more than one drug for more difficult cases.
There is a vaccine available for dogs. There is no vaccine available for
people yet. Humans do not develop an immunity to Lyme Disease. Reinfection
is possible.
Treatment should be given:
If you are bitten by a tick that tests positive for spirochetes. If you
are bitten by a tick and you have symptoms. If you are bitten by a tick
and are pregnant. If you are bitten by a tick and live in an endemic area.
LYME DISEASE PREVENTION
I. The best way to prevent Lyme Disease is to check frequently
for
ticks.
A. Check all body parts that bend including:
1.behind the knee
2.between fingers and toes
3.underarms
B. Check other areas where ticks are commonly found including:
1.belly button
2.in and behind the ear
3.neck
4.hairline
5.top of the head
C. Check pressure points including:
1.where underwear elastic touches the skin
2.where bands from pants and skirts touch the skin
3.anywhere else where clothing presses on skin
D. Go back and visually check all other areas
E. Run fingers gently over skin. If there is a tick and it is attached,
it will feel like the last piece of scab left before a cut completely
heals.
II. Shower after all outdoor activities are over for the day. If
the tick is still wandering it may wash off.
III. If a tick is found, remove it carefully with fine tweezers.
Grab as closely to the skin as possible. Do not squeeze the body, apply
Vaseline, use a burnt match, or clean with alcohol while the tick is attached.
Any of these actions could cause transmission of the bacteria.
IV. Ticks can be tested. Place tick in a glass or plastic vial with
a moistened cotton swab. A clean pill vile is good. If none is available,
use a ziploc storage bag as a temporary container.
V. Many Lyme Disease organizations now recommend prophylactic treatment
when a person is bitten by a Deer tick in a known endemic area. Since there
isn't enough evidence on either side to prove or disprove this theory, the
final decision is up to the individual and the treating physician. The recommended
treatment is 4-6 weeks of an oral antibiotic. Anyone needing information
supporting treatment for a tick bite can obtain it by contacting the Lyme
Disease Network.
VI. The use of sprays is a personal decision so you must know the
facts. Products that contain DEET are tick repellents. They do not kill
the tick and are not 100% effective in discouraging a tick from feeding
on you. Products like Permanone contain premethrin and are known to kill
ticks. However, they are not to be sprayed on the skin. Permanone can be
sprayed on clothing. Once it is dry it is assumed to be safe. Ticks are
anti-gravitational. They are generally seeking the highest point. If they
get on your body below the clothes line, one hopes they will travel up and
die once they come in contact with treated clothing. Note: If the tick meets
resistance on its journey to the top of your head it will stop and feed
at that point. If you are wearing shorts and the tick gets stuck in the
bend behind your knee the Permanone will not be helpful.
VII. Lyme Disease is a 12 month problem. The best defense against
LD is education. Know your facts. For more information contact the Lyme
Disease Network.
The Lyme Disease Network of NJ, Inc.
43 Winton Road
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
http://www.lymenet.org/
Links of Interest
©1999 Wilson
Multimedia, reproduction by permission only.