LYME DISEASE

Description

• Bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks
• Caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi
• Also called Lyme borreliosis

Symptoms

• “Bull’s eye” rash (erythema migrans)
• Chills
• Fever
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Vision changes
• Fatigue
• Neck stiffness

Causes

• Caused by blacklegged or deer ticks which carry the bacteria
• Bite of an infected tick
• Tick latches onto the skin for 36 – 48 hours

Risk Factors

• Spending time in wooded or grassy areas
• Having exposed skin
• Not removing ticks promptly or properly
• Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping
• Diagnostic Tests
• Assessment of health history and a physical exam
• Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Western Blot Test
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Treatment

• 14 to 21 day course of oral antibiotics
• Antibiotic injections
• Doxycycline for adults and children older than 8 years
• Cefuroxine and amoxicillin

Prevention

• Cover up when in wooded or grassy areas
• Use insect repellents
• Remove a tick as soon as possible with tweezers
• Do your best to tick-proof the yard
• Make sure ticks are not brought home on the clothes
• Inspect the pets and skin for ticks
• Wear appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas
• Check children’s head and neck areas, including their scalp
• Wear light coloured fabrics
• Apply antiseptic cream immediately after getting bit by a tick