As summer approaches and we all move outdoors it is time to think about protection from Lyme Disease.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a bacterium known as spirochete. It is spread to humans and household pets by the bites of infected deer ticks. Deer ticks are very small black-brown ticks that are no larger than a poppy seed. They are much smaller than the common "dog tick".

Bites from the adult female (left) and nymphs (right) can transmit the Lyme Infection. Photo from Iowa State University www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegallery/ticks/deertick.html

Are we in danger of Lyme disease in New England?

Yes. The first cases of Lyme Disease were reported in Lyme, Connecticut. Lyme infections are common in all of the Northeast, the North central States and California.

How would I know if I have Lyme Disease?

In most cases a red rash, surrounded by a light colored halo will appear approximately 3-30 days after a bite has occurred. The most common areas for the rash are the groin, thighs, trunk and armpits. Children will often develop a rash along the hair line. Also accompanying the rash are usually headache, chills, fever, swollen glands and fatigue. You should consult your physician should these symptoms develop.

Is it important to treat Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is easily treated with antibiotics. As Lyme Disease can become progressively worse it is important to seek treatment as soon as the infection has been recognized. Left untreated for prolonged periods, Lyme can lead to permanent damage to both the joints and the nervous system. It can affect vision and can result in Bell's Palsy, which is damage to the facial nerves.

What can I do to prevent Lyme Disease exposure?

If you are in a Lyme infected area it is important to protect yourself from tick bites during all outdoor activities. Many of the precautions you should take are similar to those to avoid mosquito bites.

• Cover arms and legs. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks.
• Wear a hat and keep long hair pulled back.
• Wear light colored clothing as it will be easier to see any ticks that might be on clothing.
• Wear closed toe shoes. Do not wear sandals.
• Use an insect repellent that contains DEET for use on the skin. Do not use products that contain more than 10% DEET on children as it is absorbed through the skin.
• Products with permethrin can be used on clothing, but never applied to the skin.
• Stay on cleared trails whenever possible. Remember though that depending on where you live, deer ticks can reside right in your backyard.
• After coming indoors always check for ticks. Be sure to check the hairline.
• Always remove ticks as soon as you find them. It can take up to 48 hours to become infected, so quick removal is an important step in prevention.

If I find a tick on my skin how do I remove it?

• Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible with a fine tweezer.
• Slowly pull the tick away from the skin trying not to squeeze the body.
• Once removed, clean the area with rubbing alcohol and add a first aid ointment.

For more information on Lyme in Rhode Island:

• www.health.ri.gov/disease/communicable/lyme/index.php