|
WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?
Lyme disease is a bacterial
disease spread by deer ticks. Within 1 to 2 weeks of being
infected, people may have a "bulls-eye" rash with fever,
headache, and muscle pain or joint pain. Some people have Lyme
disease and do not have any early symptoms. Other people have
a fever and other "flu-like" symptoms without a rash.
CAN ANIMALS TRANSMIT LYME DISEASE TO ME?
Yes, but not directly.
People get Lyme disease when they are bitten by ticks carrying
a bacteria. Ticks that carry Lyme disease are very small and
can be hard to see.
HOW CAN I
PROTECT MYSELF FROM LYME DISEASE?
1. Whenever possible, you should avoid
entering areas that are likely to be infested with ticks.
2. If you are in an area with ticks, you
should wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be
spotted more easily and removed before becoming
attached.
3. If you are in an area
with ticks, wear long-sleeved shirts, and tuck your pants into
your socks.
4. Application of insect
repellents containing DEET to clothes and exposed skin. DEET
can be used safely on children and adults but should be
applied according to Environmental Protection Agency
guidelines to reduce the possibility of toxicity.
5. Since transmission of the bacteria
from an infected tick is unlikely to occur before 36 hours of
tick attachment, check for ticks daily and remove them
promptly. To remove the tick, use tweezers to grasp it firmly
by the head or as close to the skin as possible - then pull
steadily until it releases. Be sure to call your healthcare
provider if you notice any irritation in the area or symptoms
of Lyme disease.
6. You can reduce the
number of ticks around your home by removing leaf litter, and
brush and wood-piles.
TICK REMOVAL
Remove a tick from your skin as soon as
you notice it. Use fine-tipped tweezers to firmly grasp the
tick very close to your skin. With a steady motion, pull the
tick's body away from your skin. Then clean your skin with
soap and warm water. Throw the dead tick away with your
household trash.
Avoid crushing the tick's body. Do not be
alarmed if the tick's mouthparts remain in the skin. Once the
mouthparts are removed from the rest of the tick, it can no
longer transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. If you accidentally
crush the tick, clean your skin with soap and warm water or
alcohol.
Don't use petroleum jelly, a hot match,
nail polish, or other products to remove a tick.
|
