Lyme disease is transmitted through deer ticks when they bite someone. It has a bacteria called spirochete. If it is diagnosed and treated early on with antibiotics it is easy to stop. They say a tick that is infected can't transmit Lyme disease until it has been attached to the host for 36 to 48 hours. So if you are in an area where these ticks are, check yourself and others at lease once a day. If a tick has attached itself to you and it has been a few hours, chances are it has not had enough time to be able to transmit the disease. You should be aware of the symptoms though. If rashes appear around the bite, joint pain or flu-like symptoms in the first month or so, it could be signs of Lyme disease. Northern California, Oregon and parts of the east coast are slowly being "invaded" by Lyme disease. Some say it is due to deer or other large animals and bird migrations. Check with local agency's to see what the tick and Lyme disease situation is like. Some more symptoms are chills, fever, fatigue, aches, tingling or numbness, headaches and swelling of lymph glands. If you think you may have Lyme disease, see your doctor as soon as possible. To help limit exposer to ticks here are some tips to help you. Keep the area around your property clear of leaves and brush. Light colored clothing can help you spot ticks easily. Use a insect repellent that contains DEET. If you hike, stay on cleared paths and avoid sitting directly on walls or the ground. Wear pants and long sleeves. After coming back from a hike you should check yourself and others for ticks. They usually get onto your lower half first. Then they travel up the body looking for areas they can kind of hide in. Armpits, groin area and top of the head are some places they like to go. |
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