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The summer is here, which means it's time for New Yorkers to take precautions to protect themselves from ticks. Tick-borne diseases are steadily increasing in the northeast. Nationally, the number of tick-related diseases has more than doubled between 2004 and 2016. Lyme disease has become a major public health problem in the state of New York and is the most common disease. more prevalent in New York. It is estimated that 50 percent of adult ticks have Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of infected deer ticks. Ticks can not fly or jump. They like to rest on low vegetation and attach to an animal or a passer-by. Once on the body, ticks often attach to the most hidden areas, such as the groin, armpits and scalp. Most New Yorkers do not take the time to check ticks themselves after spending time outdoors, which is an important step in the prevention of Lyme disease.
If tics are found, they should be deleted immediately. You can watch a video on how to properly remove a check mark from health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme. Be sure to use fine-tipped forceps to grip the mouthparts of the tick close to the skin, then gently and firmly pull the tick without twisting or tightening it.
After removing the tick, thoroughly wash the bite area, apply an antiseptic and mark the area to monitor symptoms. It is important to remember that gasoline, kerosene, petroleum jelly or hot matches should never be used to remove ticks.
The early stages of Lyme disease are usually marked by one or more of the following symptoms and signs:
• Muscle and joint pain
• A reddish rash appearing on the skin at the site of the bite
Lyme disease is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. Left untreated, Lyme disease can cause severe arthritis or cause neurological or heart problems. However, with early detection and treatment with antibiotics, healing of Lyme disease is usually quick and complete.
Campers, hikers, outdoor workers and other people who spend time around or live near wooded and grassy areas are more likely to be exposed to ticks. The risk of exposure to ticks is greater along pathways in the woods and on the edges of high vegetation properties, but ticks can also be carried by animals and pets in lawns and gardens.
Pets, such as dogs and outdoor cats, can become infected with Lyme disease bacteria, and some of these animals can develop arthritis. Dogs seem to be at higher risk for Lyme disease. Symptoms in dogs include lethargy, joint pain, fever, fatigue and kidney damage. Although one wonders if cats suffer from Lyme disease, it is thought that cats are very resistant to the disease.
You can decrease your chances of being bitten by a tick by following a few precautions:
• In wooded and grassy areas susceptible to tick infestation, wear light colored clothing (to spot ticks) and put pants back in socks and shirt in pants.
• Every two or three hours outside, check for ticks on clothing or skin. Brush ticks on clothing before they can attach to your skin. Also, check your kids and pets for ticks.
• Do a thorough check of your body at the end of the day. Pay special attention to the back of the knees, behind the ears, scalp, armpits and back.
• If you decide to use a tick repellent, carefully apply the instructions on the label.
• Children may be at higher risk of repellent reactions, in part because their exposure may be greater. Do not apply repellents directly on children. Apply it on your own hands and lay it on the child. Never apply on the hands of young children.
• No one should apply repellents near eyes, nose or mouth. In addition, use it sparingly around the ears.
Deanna Ryan, M.S., is a Senior Public Health Educator in the Cayuga County Department of Health.
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