Ticks are responsible for nine major infections in the United States alone and many more worldwide. During the last twenty years the number of illnesses caused by ticks has been on the increase. The type of illness varies according to the region of the country. Lyme disease is one of the tick borne infections common to the Northeastern coastal states as far south as Virginia, the upper Midwest and northern California. A tick is an insect that feeds on the blood of warm blooded animals and also on humans. It is black and the adult is about the size of a sesame seed. It carries many microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and rickettsia in its mouth. As it feeds, the tick transmits these microorganisms to the blood of its prey causing infections such as Lyme disease.
Lyme disease generally has flu like symptoms, a bulls eye type rash with a clear center at the site of the bite, joint pain and sometimes neurological problems such as impairment in muscle movements and numbness. Less common but possible symptoms are inflammation of the heart, Bell palsy, unusual sensations or weakness in the limbs, and meningitis. Not all tick bites will result in Lyme disease as not all types of ticks carry the disease. Only deer ticks transmit it. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics however in advanced stages, antibiotic injections are used.
If you are hiking in an area inhabited by ticks, wear long sleeved shirts tucked into your pants, long pants and closed toed shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks. It is advisable to wear light colored clothing, as ticks will be more visible. Apply a tick repellent that contains diethyltoluamide or permethrin to your clothing, shoes and any gear you are carrying such as a backpack. If you don t mind the scent, you can rub your skin with garlic, as ticks hate garlic. They also dislike the odor of lemon eucalyptus found in some repellents.
At the end of your hike, remove your clothing and check for ticks. If you find one, don t panic but use tweezers to remove it. Holding the tweezers as close to the skin as you can, grasp the head and pull straight up using a steady, even pressure. Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic. Be sure that you have removed the entire tick. If the feeding parts are still in your skin, you need to see your doctor. Place what you have removed in a container of alcohol for identification. If you don t find any ticks, take a hot shower just in case.
If you live in a rural area, mow your lawn regularly and cut down tall weeds, and trim hedges. Always pile raked leaves and brush in a sunny area to dry out, as ticks are attracted to damp, dark places. Don t use logs for seating, as ticks are also attracted to wood. Dress the same for working in your garden as you would on a hike. Be especially careful during the months of May, June and July, as this is when deer ticks are the most active.
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