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HUMAN RESOURCES

What You Need to Know About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a condition full of misconceptions partly because it
can have so many symptoms which might not show up for months
or even years. Here are a few things you should know.
What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is one the most common
illnesses spread by the black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick
(See picture).
When was it discovered? In the 1970’s, children in the area
around Lyme, Connecticut began to develop unexplained symptoms
-swollen knees, skin rashes, paralysis, headaches, and severe fatigue
- while playing in the woods. It wasn’t until 1982 that the symptoms were linked to a bacterium carried by deer
ticks.

Where are you most likely to find Lyme disease? Generally, it tends to concentrate along the East Coast
(Virginia through Maine) and the Upper Midwest (Minnesota and Wisconsin). BUT there have been cases in every
single state in the continental U.S.

What are some symptoms and when do they appear? Immediate symptoms aren’t distinctive and can some-
times seem like the flu. They can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain. In about 70-80% of
cases, a bullseye looking rash appears within 3-30 days after the bit (but usually after 7 days). Untreated, Lyme dis-
ease can spread to the nervous system which could lead to symptoms like dizziness, numbing or tingling in the hands
and feet, short-term memory problems, and even a facial droop.
Can you get tested? Yes – with a blood test that tests for the presence of antibodies to Lyme. The test is often
negative in the first few weeks because your body hasn’t produced the antibodies yet.

Is there a cure? The good news is, it is curable. It can be treated by a course of oral or IV antibiotics, depending
on the stage of the disease.

How can I prevent getting bitten by a tick that may carry Lyme? Only about half of deer ticks carry the
disease, but it is important to protect yourself any time you are enjoying the outdoors. Wear closed toed shoes,
long pants, and a long sleeve shirt. Use insect repellent with 10 to 35% DEET or up to 15% picaridin (read direc-
tions carefully). If you are in the woods, avoid straying off paths – ticks live in the brush. It is also important to note
that ticks don’t just live in the woods – they can live in and around the
wooded areas of your yard.
Once you’re done with outdoor activity, check your clothes, gear, skin, and
pets for ticks. When you arrive home, take a shower and wash your clothes
in hot water and tumble dry them.
What I find a tick? Grasp its body with a tweezers and without twisting or
squeezing it, pull it straight up using steady pressure. Clean the area with
rubbing alcohol or soap and water. If the tick is already engorged, call your
health care provider for directions on what to do next.

Reference: ShareCare 2020 Picture of a Deer Tick

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