County health department offers tips to avoid Lyme disease
CHENANGO COUNTY – Each year approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the CDC by state health departments.
In 2016 Chenango County reported 56 cases of Lyme disease. 2017 saw a significant increase with 140 cases reported.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
How to prevent tick bites:
• Use insect repellents containing DEET (follow labeled use)
• Wear appropriate clothing when outdoors (Long pants, Long sleeves, Light colors)
• Shower as soon as possible after being outdoors and check self for ticks (ticks can hide in the armpits, groin, hair and back of the knee)
• Tumble dry clothes in a high heat dryer for 10 minutes or longer for wet clothing to kill ticks.
How to properly remove a tick:
• Remove the tick as soon as possible to reduce chances of becoming infected from the tick bite
• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
• Pull upward with steady, even pressure to remove the tick. Avoid twisting or jerking.
• Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• DON’T use nail polish, petroleum jelly or a hot match to detach tick, these methods can cause the tick to salivate which is how they are able to infect the person or animal they have attached to.
For more information go to https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
AP Photo
In 2016 Chenango County reported 56 cases of Lyme disease. 2017 saw a significant increase with 140 cases reported.
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
How to prevent tick bites:
• Use insect repellents containing DEET (follow labeled use)
• Wear appropriate clothing when outdoors (Long pants, Long sleeves, Light colors)
• Shower as soon as possible after being outdoors and check self for ticks (ticks can hide in the armpits, groin, hair and back of the knee)
• Tumble dry clothes in a high heat dryer for 10 minutes or longer for wet clothing to kill ticks.
How to properly remove a tick:
• Remove the tick as soon as possible to reduce chances of becoming infected from the tick bite
• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
• Pull upward with steady, even pressure to remove the tick. Avoid twisting or jerking.
• Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
• DON’T use nail polish, petroleum jelly or a hot match to detach tick, these methods can cause the tick to salivate which is how they are able to infect the person or animal they have attached to.
For more information go to https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
AP Photo
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