LAKEWOOD, NJ - It’s
a disease that’s on the rise every year, with over
25,000 people affected and infected, especially during the
spring and summer months. Yet Lyme disease is preventable
if the right measures are taken.
“Lyme disease is an important public health problem
for people of all ages. It is the most commonly diagnosed
tick-borne disease in the United States,” says Lisa
Kassenoff, DO, an family medicine physician on staff at Kimball
Medical Center. “If left untreated, Lyme disease can
lead to serious health problems, chronic arthritis, nerve
and heart damage.”
Reports of Lyme disease are on the increase, however health
department officials believe that many more cases of Lyme
disease go unreported. So the numbers are probably
more than dramatic than reported. Anyone can get it, however,
it is more prevalent in children under the age of 10.
Lyme disease, first named in 1977, is caused by a bacterium
that is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected deer
ticks. The tick is about the size of a poppy seed when in
its immature stage. Not all deer ticks are infected.
Since the disease is spread by tick bites, prevention is
the key.
"We are entering the time of the year where tick problems
are most evident," explains Dr. Kassenoff . "May through
September are the most common months for tick bites. We want
people to know about ways to prevent tick bites, know what
to do if bitten and to seek medical treatment if disease
symptoms occur."
“Individuals can take steps to protect themselves
by wearing appropriate clothing and checking their body for
the presence of ticks," Dr. Kassenoff says.
The best preventive measure is to avoid areas where ticks
live - tall grass, brush and wooded areas - especially during
the late spring and early summer. Keep your lawn mowed, cut
overgrown brush, and clear any leaf litter away from the
home.
Anyone in areas favored by white-tailed deer, like here
in the northeast, should check themselves, their children
and their pets daily for ticks, especially in the ears, scalp,
armpits, groin and other skin folds.
“If you live, play, work or visit an area where ticks
are found, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to enable
you to more easily spot ticks. Wear long sleeves and
long pant legs, making sure the pant legs are tucked into
socks and the shirt is tucked into pants,” she says.
Consider using insect repellent, according to manufacturer’s
instructions, when planning to be outdoors.
If you find a tick on your body, remove it properly and
immediately. If possible, use tweezers to grasp the
tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull straight
back and up with a slow steady force. If you are without
tweezers, use your fingers, but protect them by using a tissue
or glove. Do not crush the tick’s body as it may contain
infectious fluids.
Do not use petroleum jelly, hot matches, nail polish remover,
or any other substance to remove a tick. By using these substances,
you may actually increase your chance of infection.
Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic
when the tick has been removed. Write on a calendar the date
you removed the tick and the area of the body from which
it was removed. Check that area every day for a month for
a red ring-like rash. It takes at least 24 hours to
transmit Lyme disease.
“Although prevention is best, if you develop Lyme
disease symptoms, seek treatment immediately,” Dr.
Kassenoff emphasizes. “You should see your health care
provider if you develop flu-like symptoms such as headache,
fever, chills and tiredness. Other indicators include
a rash, or muscle and joint aches or pain, within three to
32 days after you find a tick attached.”
The early symptoms of Lyme disease usually occur within
the first month after the tick bite. Later symptoms can occur
several weeks to several months later, and may include arthritis,
neurological problems, heart problems, memory loss, difficulty
concentrating or numbness and tingling of your arms and legs.
The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a circular reddish
expanding rash often at the site of the tick bite. It typically
has a pale center with a red rim, giving the appearance of
a bull's eye.
“The disease may be difficult to diagnose because
the symptoms can mimic many other disorders. Blood tests
can be helpful in the diagnosis of Lyme disease but should
not be used exclusively,” Dr. Kassenoff explains.
All stages of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics
under the care of your health care provider. It is almost
never too late to treat it, but intravenous antibiotic treatment
may be necessary for patients with late indications of Lyme
disease. Long-term problems can be prevented with early
attention and treatment.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lisa Kassenoff or another
Family Medicine physician on staff at Kimball Medical Center,
please call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123
(888-724-7123).
Date: May 14, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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