Spring is finally here, and with it comes the re-emergence of deer ticks and thus Lyme Disease.
Lyme disease is preventable. Maine CDC recommends following the “No Ticks 4 ME” approach which includes:
- Wear protective clothing
- Use insect repellent
- Perform daily tick checks
- Use caution in tick habitats
- Ticks must be attached for 24-48 hours before the bacteria can be transmitted, so prompt removal of ticks is extremely important.
- Anyone with a known tick bite or who has been in a tick habitat should watch for symptoms for at least 30 days after the exposure. If symptoms develop, call your physician.
- The most common early symptom of Lyme disease is an expanding red rash (erythema migrans) that occurs 3-30 days after being bitten. Fever, joint and muscle pains may also occur.
Prophylaxis
after a tick bite is not routinely recommended, but can be considered
under specific circumstances (tick has been identified as an engorged
deer tick that has been attached for over 24 hours, and prophylaxis can
be started within 72 hours.
- Even if prophylaxis is used, monitoring for symptoms for 30 days is recommended.
Check out the Maine CDC website at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/press-release.shtml?id=524456 for more information.
