News Release
For Immediate Release: May 8, 2008
Contact Person: Walter L. Haydel, R.S., 301-334-7760
Maryland Gets Ticked Off
Maryland Governor O'Malley has proclaimed May 2008 as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Maryland. Lyme disease is a potentially serious illness that is spread by the bite of one type of tick found on deer or other animals, commonly called the deer tick or black-legged tick.
Now that summertime is here, we like to spend more time outdoors. By doing this we put ourselves at risk for Lyme if we don't take precautions. Lyme disease is caused by corkscrew-shaped bacterium called borrelia burgdorfei. The disease is transmitted by the bite of an infected deer tick (lxodes dammini), which is carried by the white-footed mouse and white tailed deer. The deer tick is smaller than the dog tick. The pinhead-sized stage (nymph) most often causes Lyme disease. It is hard to see and is easily missed during body checks. They transmit the bacterium to humans while in this nymphal stage.
Luckily for potential victims, a tick has to be attached to a human host for 36 to 48 hours before an infectious dose of B. burgdorferi will be transmitted. Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease occur in different stages, with different symptoms in each stage. Initially, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph glands and the characteristic skin rash that resembles a target "bulls-eye", called Erythema Migrans can occur. However, the rash may not occur in some persons. Some signs and symptoms may not appear for weeks to months after a tick bite. Arthritis may be the first sign followed by central nervous system problems if untreated.
Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose because it mimics many other diseases like influenza or viral infections. Joint pain can be mistaken for arthritis and neurologic signs may mimic those caused by other infections. The testing methods have a high degree of specificity and sensitivity. Early in the disease process the interpretation of test results is difficult and sometimes misleading, therefore diagnosis is sometimes based on signs and symptoms. Treatment of Lyme disease with antibiotics under a physician's care will usually result in complete recovery if treated in early stages of the disease. Symptoms may recur and additional treatment may be necessary in a small percentage of persons.
Preventing tick bites is essential in lessening a person's chance of ending up with Lyme disease. This can be done by avoiding tick-infested areas in May, June and July. Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be seen easier. Tuck pants legs into socks or boots prior to wooded excursions. Wear a long sleeve shirt and hat and stay in the center of the trail to avoid overhanging trees, brush and grass. These ticks are just waiting for a luscious taste of blood. Spraying insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin on you pants, socks and shoes will help deter these critters. If a tick attaches itself to your body, remove it with tweezers, grasping as close to the head or skin's surface as you can and pull steady and straight back removing the tick. Do not crush the tick body and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removal.
If you have questions, contact your family physician or call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7760 or 301-895-3111.