Albertans Advised To Take Precautions Against Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease

With the recent identification of ticks carrying Lyme disease in the Edmonton area, Albertans advised that there is a possibility the ticks that carry Lyme disease are now established in Alberta and to take precautions to avoid tick bites.

Previous surveillance has not provided evidence in Alberta of the particular species of tick (Ixodes pacificus) known to carry Lyme disease. Recently, 10 specimens collected from dogs by veterinarians have been identified as I. pacificus, and two of those were infected with the bacterium which causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi). No human cases have been identified in Alberta in 2007.

Lyme disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics. A full recovery is more likely when treatment begins in the early stages of the disease. Undiagnosed Lyme disease may develop into chronic illness that can be difficult to treat.

The first sign of infection is often a circular rash. This rash occurs in about 70-80 per cent of infected people and begins at the site of the tick bite after a delay of three days to one month. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. If untreated, the disease progresses into more serious symptoms which can last several months - including migraines, weakness, multiple skin rashes, painful or stiff joints, abnormal heartbeat and extreme fatigue. If the disease continues to progress, symptoms such as chronic arthritis and neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, numbness, and paralysis can result. Lyme disease is rarely fatal. However, if contracted during pregnancy, Lyme disease can pose serious health risks to the baby, including stillbirth.

The greatest chance for people to become infected is when they walk through brush and tall grass in spring and summer when ticks are most active. Here are some precautions you can take:

* Don't walk bare-legged in tall grass, brush, or woods where ticks might be found;

* If you do go into such areas, cover up as much as possible. Wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts, pants and a hat. The light colours will help you see whether there are any ticks on you. Tuck your shirt into your pants, and pull socks up over your pant legs. This will help keep ticks away from your bare skin;

* Wear shoes that cover your entire foot, rather than sandals or open shoes;

* Spray clothing and exposed skin with an insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for safe use.

* After finishing your outdoor activity, check your clothing and your entire body for any attached ticks. Some ticks are quite small - the size of a freckle; and,

* Check children and pets after they have been outside.

If you find a tick attached to your skin:

* Use tweezers to remove it. Grasp the tick's head and mouth parts as close to your skin as possible, and pull slowly until the tick is removed. Be careful not to twist, rotate or crush the tick during removal;

* After removing the tick, use soap and water to wash the spot where you were bitten. You may also disinfect the bite area with alcohol or antiseptic;

* Try to save the tick in an empty pill vial or a doubled zip-lock bag. If you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, the tick can be sent to a laboratory for identification, and this may help diagnose your illness. It may also help public health workers identify areas of higher risk for Lyme disease;

* Seek the advice of a health professional right away if you develop a rash or any other symptoms of Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick.

There have been 19 cases of Lyme disease in Alberta since 1992, all with a history of travel to areas outside Alberta known to have the disease.

The Provincial Health Office will be working with Agriculture and Food and Sustainable Resource Development to determine whether the species of tick known to carry Lyme disease is now established in Alberta.

source:www.emaxhealth.com