With the long, sweltering months of summer behind them, many Kansas Citians are eager to spend more time enjoying the bright leaves and mild autumn air outdoors. While being active outside has a multitude of physical and mental health benefits, it is important to protect ourselves and our families from potential health risks.
Lyme disease is the most common of several tick-borne illnesses in the United States. Being aware of this disease, spotting the symptoms and understanding prevention measures will benefit those who spend time outside, whether it be the forest, the field or their own backyard.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that blacklegged ticks can transmit through a bite if they carry the disease. In Kansas and Missouri, the species of ticks include blacklegged ticks (deer ticks), dog ticks and lone star ticks. The species other than blacklegged may carry other diseases, but the same prevention measures apply to all.
Annually, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are officially reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; however, many cases go unreported. It is estimated the actual number of Lyme infections is over 400,000 individuals per year. Lyme disease is most prevalent in the northeastern states, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Kansas and Missouri each have fewer than 50 officially reported cases each year. Nonetheless, it remains important to be aware and try to prevent tick bites.
A tick must be attached for at least 36 hours to transmit disease. This is not to say it is impossible to transmit disease when attached for less time. Essentially, the longer the tick is attached, the higher the chance of transmission. The severity of Lyme disease symptoms can vary from mild to severe and occur in three stages:
Early localized disease:
A characteristic bull’s-eye rash predominates in this stage. Some people may experience muscle or joint pain and mild flu-like symptoms. This stage occurs two to four weeks after exposure. It is important to know that even bites from uninfected ticks will be red and itchy. The bull’s-eye rash can be distinguished as it has a circular redness that grows larger over subsequent days and may develop a lighter colored center, resembling a bull’s-eye. This stage may not be experienced by everyone, and many will not recall having a tick bite at all.
Early disseminated disease:
This stage occurs weeks to months after exposure to an infected tick. There are numerous possible symptoms in this stage, and one or several may be experienced. Likely, several bull’s-eye rashes will appear. Other potential symptoms include nerve pain, muscle weakness, headache, fever, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Late Lyme disease:
This stage occurs months to years after exposure. The most common symptom of this stage is pain in one or several joints, most commonly the knee. Rarely, there can be more serious neurologic symptoms at this stage leading to mild memory or concentration difficulties.
The good news is that Lyme disease can be cured! A health care provider will consider your symptoms after a report of a tick bite or potential exposure. Many people can be treated for Lyme disease by symptoms alone, but the definitive diagnosis requires a blood test. For higher-risk patients or those who live in areas with a high incidence of Lyme disease, treatment may be offered after the report of a tick attachment greater than 36 hours, even before symptoms occur.
The treatment for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses is a course of antibiotics. There are a small few who may not achieve relief of symptoms after treatment. These individuals may require more time to improve, additional antibiotics and/or a referral to a specialist.
Prevention is the best defense against Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses! If you are planning to spend time outdoors in a wooded or grassy area, take precautions. Although ticks are most active in the summer months, they may bite for most months of the year on warmer days.
Precautions:
- Choose light-colored clothing.
- Consider spraying clothing with repellent prior to wearing.
- Use insect repellent with tick coverage.
- Don a hat and tuck up long hair.
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks.
After exposure to potential tick habitats, check clothing and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours of being outdoor to rinse off ticks that are not yet attached and to check your body thoroughly. Common tick attachment locations include areas with hair, bending surfaces of body and anywhere clothing is snug to the skin like the belt line. If a tick is found attached, remove it promptly with clean tweezers by grabbing the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Remaining aware and diligent will help prevent Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses for you and your family. If you are feeling ill or have any concerns following a possible or confirmed tick exposure, make an appointment with your health care provider.
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