Lyme Disease Prevention

Blacklegged, or deer, ticks are the culprits in the transmission of Lyme disease to humans. Deer ticks are also known to transmit anaplasmosis and babesiosis. While other ticks' bites may transmit other diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and other diseases.

Preventative measures against Lyme disease will also aid in reducing the diseases transmitted by other biting insects such as mosquitoes, who can cause viral infections such as West Nile and various types of encephalitis.

Preventing Exposure to Tick and other Insect Bites

When possible, avoid areas where ticks and other biting insects are known to be. Areas with tall grasses, brush, and much leaf litter are good to avoid.

If unable to avoid such areas, take precautions such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck your pants into socks or boots. Tuck shirt into pants. Wear a hat and gloves.

Wearing light-colored clothing will aid in being able to spot tick or other insects on clothing.

When walking in areas known to harbor ticks, remain on trails as much as possible.

May, June and July are the months when ticks are most active in many areas. If you live in or visit an area that has above-freezing temperatures for more than the summer months, be aware that ticks may well be active.

Use insect repellent. An insect repellent containing 10 to 30 percent concentration of DEET; the higher the concentration of this active ingredient, the longer your protection from ticks and other insects will last. Permethrin is another insect repellent. This kills ticks on contact. It must be used on clothing rather than skin and may afford protection through several washings of clothes.

Another insect repellent is oil of lemon eucalyptus. Some people prefer the latter of these two as a more natural alternative for repelling insects. Be certain to read all labeling on insect repellents before use and follow the precautions listed for children.

Most tick bites, whether deer ticks or otherwise, will not result in transmission of disease, but being able to recognize the symptoms of a tick-borne disease such as Lyme disease is important.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Even with taking preventions, you may still incur a bite from a tick. If the tick was attached for less the 24 hours, there is a decreased likelihood of contracting Lyme disease, but it is still possible. After experiencing a tick bite, be aware of the following symptoms:

1) The best known symptom of Lyme disease is the bull's-eye appearing rash that may form at the site of the tick bite. This symptom is seen in 70 to 80 percent of people who develop Lyme disease.

A small red bump may appear within days to a month after the tick bite at the bite site. This reddened area may remain relatively small or may expand to as large as 12 inches across. There will then be an area of unreddened skin around this, followed by a circular area of reddening.

2) Generalized flu-type symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, and loss of energy.

3) If Lyme disease is present and goes untreated, joint pain may develop. There may be pain and swelling in one or more joints, and this joint involvement may change from one joint to another.

4) If Lyme disease remains untreated, problems such as inflammation of the brain's covering (meningitis), numbness or weakness of muscles, or temporary paralysis of part of your face.

Contact your health care provider if you've experienced a tick bite and experience the symptoms of Lyme disease.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control
Mayo Clinic