Spring is here and along with it comes the risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease. This disease occurs throughout NJ from spring to fall but can be prevented through early recognition and treatment.

Cause of Disease: Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria transmitted through the bite of a deer tick. The adult deer tick is about the size of a sesame seed. The female deer tick is dark brown to black in color, with a distinctive brick red abdomen. The male deer tick is even smaller than the female and uniformly dark brown to black. The tick needs to be attached to the skin for 12 to 24 hours before infection. The disease cannot be transferred from one infected person to another.

Removal of Ticks: If a tick is found embedded in the skin, remove it gently, intact and alive, by grasping the tick with tweezers. Do not remove by use of chemicals or burning. Do not crush the tick, as secretions can be infective. After removal, wash area and your hands, with soap and water.

Signs/Symptoms: Stage One – A slowly expanding rash beginning as a small red, raised area and eventually growing to 20 inches or more. The rash may have a clear center and be warm to touch. Not all patients will have a rash. Other symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea. These symptoms appear several days to several weeks after a bite. Stage Two: Symptoms occur several weeks to several months following infection and include various neurological and/or heart problems. Stage Three: Symptoms include recurrent attacks of joint swelling and pain and/or more severe neurological problems. This may occur several months to a year or more after a bite.

Diagnosis & Treatment: Blood test, clinical observation, and tick bite history will determine diagnosis. The disease is treatable with antibiotics but best results occur when treated during early stages.

Avoid tick infested areas (dense woods and tall weeds).

Cut grass and unwanted shrubs which overhang paths.

Cover legs, ankles and arms when walking through these areas. Tuck pant legs into socks.

Wear light colored clothing in order to more easily notice ticks.

Use an insect repellant on exposed skin areas when hiking or camping being careful to follow directions.

Carefully search the entire body for ticks, including the scalp, particularly on children.

Put tick collars on pets that go outdoors and check regularly for ticks.

Vaccination – LYMErix vaccine is now available for people 15-70 years of age. Check with your doctor if you and your family are a candidate for the vaccine.