What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a kind of bacterium (germ) called a spirochete (say: spy-ro-keet). The disease is carried by deer ticks (found in the northeastern and north-central United States) and western black-legged ticks (found mostly on the Pacific Coast). These ticks can spread the disease to animals and humans through tick bites. These ticks are typically about the size of a sesame seed.

Lyme disease is most common in rural and suburban areas in the northeastern and midwestern states

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
One sign of Lyme disease is a rash, which may appear 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. This rash usually starts at the site of the tick bite. It may begin as a small red spot and grow larger. The center may fade, creating a "bull's eye" or ring appearance, but this is not always the case. Some people with Lyme disease have many red spots. The rash may be tender or feel warm to the touch.

Other symptoms of Lyme disease in its early stage include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Joint and muscle aches

Rarely, early-stage Lyme disease can spread to the heart or the nervous system. If Lyme disease spreads to the heart, the person may feel an irregular or slow heartbeat. The spread of Lyme disease to the nervous system can cause the face to droop (a condition called Bell's palsy), numbness in your arms and legs or swelling of the membranes surrounding the brain (called meningitis).

How can I prevent Lyme disease?
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Wear light-colored clothing that covers most of your skin when you go into the woods or an area overgrown with grass and bushes. This makes it easier to see and remove ticks from your clothing. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and wear pants instead of shorts. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots for added protection. Remember that ticks are usually found close to the ground, especially in moist, shaded areas.

Use an insect repellent containing 20% to 30% DEET. Apply DEET sparingly to skin according to directions on the label. Don't apply it to the face and hands of children and don't use it on infants younger than 2 months of age.

After you spend time outdoors, check your skin and your children's skin (body and scalp) carefully for ticks and rashes. Check your pets for ticks, also.




 

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