Lyme disease is a common concern this time of year, especially in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions of the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial infection responsible for Lyme disease, is transmitted to humans through the bite of a black-legged (deer) tick.
These tiny deer ticks can inject a numbing chemical when they bite, making it difficult to detect the infection until symptoms appear weeks later. Lyme disease can lead to severe muscle and joint pain, Lyme arthritis, cardiac complications, and neurological conditions, according to experts.
One of the key indicators of Lyme disease is a red circular bull’s-eye rash or multiple rashes on the skin, particularly in areas where ticks are common. Between 60% and 80% of patients with Lyme disease will develop a rash.
Symptoms typically emerge two weeks after a tick bite and can worsen if left untreated. Early signs of Lyme disease include overwhelming fatigue, joint aches, fever, brain fog, dizziness, palpitations, and nerve pain.
Diagnosing Lyme disease involves a blood test, but timing is crucial. Antibody tests may not yield positive results until three or four weeks post-bite. If infected, doctors often prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline for a period ranging from 10 days to four to six weeks.
Chronic Lyme disease, also known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), affects patients who continue to display symptoms despite receiving treatment. In such cases, doctors may recommend symptom-based therapies instead of additional antibiotics.
Further research is needed in the field of PTLDS. It is an area that requires more understanding and investigation to determine the best approaches for symptom management in affected patients. Hospital epidemiologist Aaron Glatt from Mount Sinai South Nassau on Long Island, New York, and spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, stated in an interview that the current data does not support additional antibiotic therapy for PTLDS.
If someone suspects they have PTLDS, they should consult with their physician about the possibility of other diseases such as babesiosis, which is considered the second-most common tick-borne illness in the Northeastern U.S. Babesiosis is caused by a parasite called Babesia microti, spread by the same tick as Lyme disease.
According to Cameron, if someone does not respond to Lyme treatment, it is recommended to get tested for babesiosis and receive antiparasitic medications if necessary.
To prevent tick bites and Lyme disease, experts advise the following preventive measures:
– Perform tick checks in common areas like behind the ears, knees, underarms, scalp, around the waistline, ankles, legs, and groin area.
– Shower within two hours of being outdoors.
– Tumble clothes worn outdoors for at least 10 minutes in the dryer on high heat.
– Wear long sleeves and pants with socks tucked into pants when outdoors.
– Consider using clothing pre-treated with permethrin, a tick repellent.
– Use tick repellents containing DEET, which has proven effective against ticks.
If a tick is found on the body, it is recommended to follow this protocol:
– Use fine-tipped tweezers to remove the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling upward with steady pressure.
– Avoid squeezing the tick to prevent regurgitation of toxins.
– Do not burn the tick or apply petroleum gel.
– After removal, place the tick in a plastic bag for identification by a healthcare provider.
– Wash the area of the tick bite. In a surprising turn of events, a rare species of bird was spotted in a local park yesterday. The bird, known for its vibrant colors and unique song, has not been seen in this area for over a decade.
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts flocked to the park to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. Many were thrilled to see the bird in person, snapping photos and sharing their excitement on social media.
Experts believe that the bird may have been blown off course during its migration and ended up in the park by mistake. Despite its unexpected appearance, the bird seemed to be in good health and was spotted flying around the park throughout the day.
Local authorities have urged the public to be respectful of the bird’s space and not to disturb its natural habitat. They have also set up a designated viewing area for those who wish to observe the bird from a safe distance.
As word spreads about the rare bird sighting, more and more people are expected to visit the park in the coming days. Birdwatchers are hopeful that the bird will stick around for a while, giving them the opportunity to study and learn more about this fascinating species.
