Know, avoid risks of Lyme's disease
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Monday, June 9, 2008 11:07 AM CDT
For the Herald
Public health officials from Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties marked Lyme disease Awareness Month by reporting a significant increase in the number of reported Lyme Disease cases in both counties, as well as in the state.
In Chippewa County residents, 75 cases of Lyme Disease were reported in 2007 — a notable increase over the 51 cases reported in 2006, said Barb MacNaughton, Chippewa County Public Health Nurse.
Ken Jain, Eau Claire City County Health Department Sanitarian, indicates that the number of cases in Eau Claire County increased from 94 in 2006 to 106 in 2007. Similarly, there were 1819 cases of Lyme Disease reported in Wisconsin residents in 2007, compared to 1487 cases in 2006.
MacNaughton and Jain added that the 2007 figures could rise, because the Division of Public Health has not yet received final reports of cases from 2007.
The increase in the number of Lyme disease cases is due to several factors: (1) the increased number of ticks due to an abundant deer population; (2) more people are moving near wooded areas; (3) the tick that carries Lyme disease is present in a larger part of the state due to movement on animals, such as deer and birds; and (4) there is increased surveillance and reporting of Lyme disease due to efforts by health officials to educate the public and health care professionals about the disease.
While Lyme Disease has been reported in many areas around Wisconsin, most cases in 2007 occurred in the northwestern and west central areas of the state.
“In Wisconsin, most people who develop Lyme Disease are bitten by infected ticks between May and August,” Jain said. “The greatest risk of developing the illness is during June and July. We remind everyone to be on the look out for ticks that can cause Lyme Disease, and to take steps to protect themselves.”
Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, carried by small ticks called deer ticks which are found in many parts of the United States, including Wisconsin. The disease can cause debilitating arthritis, as well as serious heart and nervous system problems.
The disease is treated with antibiotics, and is more easily treated when detected early. One early sign of Lyme disease is a characteristic “bulls-eye” rash, consisting of a reddened area, often with a clear area in the middle, at the original site of the tick bite. The rash typically expands in size to cover a large area (usually greater than 2 inches), or may even appear in several places on other parts of the body.
“Not everyone with Lyme disease develops the rash,” Jain said. “If someone lives in or has spent time in areas where deer ticks are common and develops symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, pain in the muscles or joints, enlarged lymph nodes, or facial paralysis, they should immediately consult their health care provider.”
There are some preventive measures people can take to avoid tick bites and reduce the chance of getting Lyme disease- These precautions include:
- Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and lots of leaf litter since ticks prefer these areas. If you do go into areas like this, try to stay in the center of a cleared trail to avoid contact with overgrown grass, and brush.
- Use effective tick repellents and apply according to the label instructions. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults use repellents with 20-30 percent DEET on exposed skin and clothing to prevent bites. Repellents that contain permethrin can also be applied to clothing.
- Wear clothes that will help to shield you from ticks. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are best. Tuck your pants into the top of your socks or boots, to create a “tick barrier.” Light-colored clothing will make any ticks easier to spot.
- Check frequently for ticks, and remove them promptly. Ticks actually have to bite you and remain attached for at least 24 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Deer ticks are small and may be difficult to find, so tick checks must be done on all parts of the body carefully and thoroughly.
- Remove attached ticks slowly and gently, using a thin-bladed pair of tweezers. Avoid folk remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish or burning matches — they are not safe or effective way to remove ticks.
- Protect your pets from tick bites by checking your dog or cat for ticks before allowing them inside. While there is a vaccine available for pets to prevent Lyme disease, it will not stop the animal from bringing ticks into the home. Speak to you veterinarian about topical tick repellent available for pets.
For information about Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in your community, contact the Chippewa County Department of Public Health at 726-7900, or visit http://ddhrs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/LymeDisease/Index.htm
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