What
is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria, Borrelia
burgdorferi. These bacteria are spread to humans
from the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease may affect
the skin, nervous system, heart, and joints.
Who gets Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is found mostly in the eastern and mid-west regions of the United States. Most people that have Lyme disease in Utah were actually bitten by a tick from another state. Recently Utahns have acquired Lyme disease from ticks in Utah. Anyone can get Lyme disease, especially campers, hikers, and others who frequent wooded, brushy, and grassy places where ticks are found.
How does Lyme disease spread?
- People get Lyme disease from the bite of an infected tick.
- Usually, the bacteria which causes Lyme disease will only be transferred from an infected tick if it is attached to your skin for at least 24 hours. Persons who do not remove the tick immediately have a higher chance of getting Lyme disease.
- Some people become ill after crushing a tick with their hands because the tick's body fluids get into cuts or scratches in the skin.
- There is no evidence of natural person-to-person transmission. However, it has been reported that pregnant women have transferred the bacteria to their fetus. Also, infections from blood transfusions have been reported.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is difficult to recognize because the symptoms mimic those of
other diseases. The illness usually starts with a circular red rash, at
or near the site of the tick bite. The rash may expand to a large size.
Often there may be a clearing in the center of the rash that makes it look
like a target. Along with the rash, other "influenza-like" symptoms
may appear such as fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, muscle, and joint
pain. The joints, nervous system, and heart may be affected weeks to months
after the initial tick bite. A small number of people with Lyme disease
may develop symptoms during later stages of the disease without having
had the earlier skin rash. If you suspect that you have Lyme disease, you
should see your doctor.
How soon do symptoms usually appear?
The rash or "influenza-like" symptoms usually begin within a month
after a tick bite.
What is the treatment for Lyme disease?
- Doctors treat patients with Lyme disease with antibiotics.
- Intravenous medication may be required for more seriously affected persons.
Can a person get Lyme disease more than once?
Yes. One infection with Lyme disease does not stop a person from getting it again.
How should a tick be removed?
- You should immediately remove any attached tick gently with tweezers
- Do not remove ticks with your bare hands
- Apply tweezers as close to your skin as possible
- Do not crush the tick's body when removing it
- Avoid leaving any part of the tick on your skin.
- Protect your hands with gloves, cloth or tissue and be sure to wash your hands after removing a tick.
How can Lyme disease be prevented?
- Remove attached ticks immediately.
- Avoid tick infested areas, especially during the months of May, June, and July.
- Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be easily seen. Wear a long sleeved shirt, hat, long pants, and tuck your pant legs into your socks.
- Walk in the center of trails to avoid overhanging grass and brush.
- Check your body daily for ticks when you spend a lot of time outdoors where ticks can live.
- Ticks are most often found on the thigh, arms, underarms and legs.
- Ticks can be very small
(no bigger than a pinhead). Look carefully for new "freckles".
Use insect repellents
containing DEET on your skin or permethrin on clothing. Be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s label.
Where can I get more information?
- Your personal doctor
- Your local health department, listed in your telephone directory
- The Utah Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology (801) 538-6191
The Utah Department of Health
Office of Epidemiology
March 31, 2005
