Prevention of Lyme Disease
(BINGHAMTON, NY) Fall is here, which means Broome County residents should continue to take precautions to protect themselves from Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a public health problem in New York State.
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of infected deer ticks. There are other diseases such as Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and infections such as Powassan virus that are also caused by ticks. Adult ticks are of greatest concern in the late Summer through early winter as they are very active and difficult to see due to their size.
“Ticks cannot fly or jump. They like to rest on low-lying vegetation and in leaf litter. Ticks attach to a passing animal or person. Once on a body, ticks often attach to the more hidden areas such as the groin, armpit and scalp,” said Victoria Perkins, Senior Public Health Sanitarian at the Broome County Health Department.
Ticks can be found not only in wooded or tall grassy areas but also on the edges of well-manicured lawns. It is very important for those residents that garden or spend time playing outside or working on their lawns to be aware.
You can minimize your chances of being bitten by a tick by following a few precautions:
• When in wooded or grassy areas, which are likely to be tick-infested, wear light-colored clothing (to spot ticks) and tuck pants into socks and shirt into pants.
• Walk in the center of trails.
• Frequently check for ticks on clothing and on skin while outdoors. Brush off any ticks on clothing before they can attach to your skin.
• Do a final, full-body tick check at the end of the day (also check children and pets), and remove ticks promptly. Once on a body, ticks can attach anywhere but often attach to the more hidden areas such as behind the knees and ears, groin, armpits and scalp.
• Bathe or shower, preferably within two hours, or as soon as possible after being outdoors in wooded or grassy areas.
• Treat clothing with Permethrin prior to outdoor activities as an added measure of protection. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions when applying any product.
• Use repellents that contain at least 20% DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the label directions when applying. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, nose and mouth. For more information on the use and effectiveness of tick repellents, see the Environmental Protection Agency’s website at https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.
• Talk with your veterinarian about the best options to protect your pets.
Early stages of Lyme disease are usually marked by one or more of the following signs and symptoms; fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and (in 60-80% of cases) a “bull’s eye” or red rash appearing on the skin. This rash may appear at the bite site or other locations on the body and will expand over time.
Lyme disease is often difficult to diagnose, because its symptoms and signs mimic those of many other diseases. Left untreated, Lyme disease can produce severe arthritis, or cause neurological or cardiac problems. However, with early detection and treatment, recovery from Lyme disease is usually rapid and complete. Please see your primary care provider if you notice a “bull’s eye” rash or have the symptoms listed above. Early detection is key.
Not all ticks are infected and your risk of contracting Lyme disease is greatly reduced if the deer tick is removed within the first 36 hours. Use fine-tipped tweezers to carefully grasp the tick by the head as close to the skin as possible. Gently and steadily pull the tick upward and out making sure not to twist or squeeze it. After removing the tick, wash the bite area thoroughly and apply antiseptic. If mouth parts remain in the skin, leave them alone and they will generally fall out on their own in a few days. Please remember that gasoline, kerosene, petroleum jelly or hot matches should never be used to remove ticks.
If the tick is found to be engorged or you believe that the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, it is recommended that you contact your physician for preventive treatment options.
“Adult ticks will remain active as long as the temperature is above 32 degrees,” said Josh Phelps, Acting Director of Environmental Health at the Broome County Health Department. “Remain vigilant for ticks any time you’re outside, and it is above freezing”.
For more information about Lyme disease visit the Broome County Health Department’s website at www.gobroomecounty.com/eh and the New York State Department of Health’s website at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseasses/communicable/lyme/
