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Did you know that California was 15th in the nation in reported cases of Lyme disease in 2003? This disease is mainly transmitted by the western black-legged tick. This tick has been found in 56 out of 58 counties in this state, and ticks have tested positive for Lyme disease in 41 counties. Studies have shown an infection rate of 1-2% for adult ticks and 1-15% for nymphal ticks, although the infection rate of nymphs in Mendocino County may be as high as 41%. Other tick-borne diseases (TBD's) may be carried by this and other ticks, including babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and bartonella.
Prevention strategies include avoiding brushing against grass, not sitting on logs or leaning against trees, wearing light-colored clothing and tucking pants into socks. Deet can be used on the skin, and clothing can be sprayed with permethrin.
Frequent tick checks are essential, especially in areas like creases of elbows and knees, hairline and groin. If you find an attached tick, proper removal maybe key to disease prevention. You should continue to check yourself for several days after exposure to tick-infested areas, since an engorged nymphal tick may be easier to detect. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with pointed tweezers and pull straight out, or use specially designed tick tweezers. Save the tick for testing.
Fewer than 50% of those who develop Lyme disease get a bull's-eye rash; many develop a flu-like illness. Some may only present with psychiatric or neurological manifestations.
Lyme symptoms can involve cardiac, ophthalmologic, musculo-skeletal, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Known as the "great imitator," Lyme can be misdiagnosed as ALS, MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or even Alzhermer's and autism.
For more information, you may go to www.lymedisease.org or contact Marisa Battilana at [email protected].
Prevention strategies include avoiding brushing against grass, not sitting on logs or leaning against trees, wearing light-colored clothing and tucking pants into socks. Deet can be used on the skin, and clothing can be sprayed with permethrin.
Frequent tick checks are essential, especially in areas like creases of elbows and knees, hairline and groin. If you find an attached tick, proper removal maybe key to disease prevention. You should continue to check yourself for several days after exposure to tick-infested areas, since an engorged nymphal tick may be easier to detect. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible with pointed tweezers and pull straight out, or use specially designed tick tweezers. Save the tick for testing.
Fewer than 50% of those who develop Lyme disease get a bull's-eye rash; many develop a flu-like illness. Some may only present with psychiatric or neurological manifestations.
Lyme symptoms can involve cardiac, ophthalmologic, musculo-skeletal, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Known as the "great imitator," Lyme can be misdiagnosed as ALS, MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or even Alzhermer's and autism.
For more information, you may go to www.lymedisease.org or contact Marisa Battilana at [email protected].
