Lyme disease is a type of disease that is caused by the Borrelia bacteria family. It is contracted by a specific tick, the black-legged or deer tick, after picking up the bacteria from feeding on infected rodents, birds, deer, or other animals. These ticks can be found in wooded or high grassland areas.
A bite from a deer tick does not always mean instant infection. The tick must bite, and stay attached for between 36 and 48 hours. Additionally, not every single deer tick carries the Lyme disease bacteria. Lyme disease is a curable condition. It becomes problematic when it is left untreated and has the potential to cause permanent damage to nerves, memory, and cause inflammation around the heart. This article will focus on the several different aspects of lyme disease.
Ticks and Their Relation to Lyme disease
A person cannot contract Lyme disease by simple contact with infected animals. There is no way to determine by appearance which animals are carriers. Lyme disease is passed by tick transport. Although the deer tick can transmit at any life stage, Lyme disease often occurs while the tick is in nymph stage and smaller than two millimeters. This is because the tick is so small at this life stage that it is more likely to go unnoticed and remain attached much longer.
Transmission to humans occurs in a few stages. First, the tick must feed on the blood of an infected animal. Prime food sources include mice, birds, deer, and other animals that do not engage in extensive grooming practices. After feeding and detaching, the tick then searches for its next food source. Domestic pets and humans are ideal targets. The tick bites and transmission can occur. In order to successfully transmit the Lyme disease bacteria, the tick must remain attached for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Signs and Symptoms
Lyme disease symptoms will fall into three categories and can overlap as the condition progresses. Early localized symptoms occur during the early stages of the disease, usually within 30 days of the bite. Symptoms include a bulls-eye type rash that appears as a red ring with a clear center. The rash will start small and often be located at the site of the bite. Early symptoms also include fever, body aches, neck stiffness, and headache.
If left untreated, late stage symptoms can occur. There is an overlap with the rash and body aches. Symptoms can also progress and become more severe. Later symptoms include joint pain, specifically in the knees. There is also a risk of neurological damage that can occur weeks or years following transmission. Meningitis, Bell’s palsy and limb numbness may occur.
Getting Treatment
Lyme disease is a curable condition. It responds quicker with earlier treatment. In the early stages, a two-week regimen of antibiotics eliminates the bacteria. Most people with early Lyme disease receive oral antibiotics. Later-stage infections may require intravenous antibiotics, particularly if there are neurological or cardiac symptoms.
Some people do not completely recover from a Lyme disease infection. In some cases, the infection was not caught early enough and permanent damage has occurred, or certain symptoms persist even after treatment. Lyme arthritis is the residual symptoms a person may experience following treatment and include joint pain and body aches. Meningitis and heart issues may also occur. In these cases, medical professionals can only treat the symptoms. There is no cure for post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
Prevention is important. Wear pants, socks, and long-sleeve shirts in areas known for tick inhabitation. Use a repellent specifically labeled for ticks. After coming in, shower and thoroughly examine common tick hiding areas of the body, such as the scalp, arm pits, and back of the knees. Wash the clothing worn in hot water and use a hot dryer setting. Remove any ticks carefully, with a pair of tweezer and clean bite locations with alcohol. Dispose of the tick afterwards.