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Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a disease caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi). The disease is passed by the bite of a tick infected with the bacteria. The tick's mouth parts must be attached to a person's skin to transmit the disease. Lyme disease cannot be transmitted from person to person. All ticks do not carry Lyme disease. The black legged tick (Ixodes scapilaris) lives in Missouri and can carry the bacteria, but it does not bite humans often. The deer tick (Ixodes dammini) is now being classified as a form of the black legged tick. Other ticks such as the Lone Star tick might carry the bacteria in Missouri. All these ticks are very small during certain life stages, so people may not be aware that they have been bitten. In Missouri ticks are most active during April through September and are very common in grassy and wooded area.

Lyme disease or a Lyme -like illness is thought to occur in Missouri. Its signs and symptoms diagnose Lyme disease. Signs and symptoms for Lyme disease vary a great deal. In general, the early symptoms appear 3 to 32 days after a tick bite. Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory tests.

The early symptoms can include:

• Fever
  
• Fatigue
  
• Headache
  
• Aching joints
  
• Nausea
  
• A skin rash called erythema migrans (EM)
  

The EM rash occurs in the majority of cases, is roughly circular in shape. Usually the rash is found at the site of the tick bite, but it can also be found on other parts of the body. The rash tends to enlarge over a period of a few days and, as it does the center often fades to form a bull's eye pattern.

The late signs and symptoms may occur weeks to years after being infected by the bacteria. They can include:

• Arthritis (very common in this stage of the disease).
  
• Weakness and/or pain in the extremities
  
• Facial paralysis
• Stiff neck
  
• Severe headaches
  
• Cardiac problems
  

Not all the symptoms are present in any one person with Lyme disease. Also, it is important to note that early and later stages of the illness may overlap.

Lyme disease can be treated. With early diagnosis, prompt treatment with antibiotics can cure the infection. It is important to treat the disease when the early symptoms are present to prevent the development of late symptoms and complications. For more advanced cases oral antibiotic and/or intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment may be included.

Here's some tips on preventing Lyme disease:

• Wear light colored clothing to make it easier to see ticks.
  
• Conduct thorough "tick checks" on yourself children and family pets. Finding and removing ticks quickly is important to prevent tick-borne infections from being transmitted. This should be done every 4 to 6 hours wile outdoors and after returning indoors.
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck pants into boots or socks.
  
• Apply insect repellants containing Permethrin or DEET according to package instructions.
  
• Trim grasses and weeds around buildings, houses and playgrounds.
  

To remove a tick that is attached to the skin follow these steps:

• Use tweezers if available. Grasp the tick with a piece of tissue if using your fingers.
  
• Firmly grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull it out straight.
  
• Avoid squeezing the tick's abdomen.
  
• Wash the bite area with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic (such as alcohol or merthiolate).

For more information on preventing tick-borne disease, please click here.

If you have any questions or need additional information please contact us. We'll be glad to help.