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What if I come across ticks in Wilderness?In recent years there has been an increase in awareness and concern about tick-borne disease. Lyme disease is now the most prevalent illness in Wilderness carried by ticks. Although Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever had been a concern for several years it now appears to be localized elsewhere. Since first documented in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, Lyme disease has spread from eastern Suffolk into Nassau, parts of New York City and along the Hudson River Valley. Like all epidemics, the disease will continue to appear in more locations and is now reported throughout the United States. Experts attribute the current spread of Lyme disease to the expanding habitats of the tick that carries it. No one knows exactly why the spread has occurred, but two possible theories are migratory birds and the increasing deer population. Individuals living in or visiting affected areas should be aware of the dangers of Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in particular, and ticks in general. The following information will help you, detect their presence, recognize disease symptoms, seek appropriate treatment and prevent exposure to tick bites. Tick IdentificationTicks are any of numerous blood sucking arachnids. A tick is small - the size of a pin head or sesame seed is an approximate comparison - and can be difficult to see. A tick can have 6 or 8 legs, and can be colored tan, red, brown or black. After sucking blood from an animal or human, it will grow to the size of a small pea and is then called "engorged" (filled with blood). Ticks can be found in any outdoor location with vegetation, even a backyard. However, the more likely spots are:
Ticks can also be carried by a pet or other animal that has been in the above areas. Ticks do not fly, jump or actively pursue people as in the case of mosquitoes and other insects. Instead, they attach themselves to people or animals brushing against them in tall grass or shrubbery and only then do they begin to feed by biting the carrier. A tick bite does not cause disease unless the tick is infected. Lyme DiseaseLyme disease is an infection caused by the bite of a deer tick (IXODES DAMMING), when it has been infected with the disease. It is important to remember that a tick bite does not always result in Lyme disease. However, when the tick which is infected by the spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) transmits the disease to humans, the person must be medically treated as soon as possible. Because research indicates it may take an infected tick as long as 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, a check of the body every two to three hours to remove ticks will help prevent transmission of the disease. A full body check should be done at home. Pets also should be checked regularly for ticks. An additional caution - recent research now indicates that ticks may not be the only biting insects to carry Lyme disease. The spirochete responsible for this illness has also been isolated in horse flies, deer flies, mosquitoes and fleas. It is not known whether these biting insects can transmit Lyme disease to humans. Researchers suspect they may not be as efficient carriers as is the tick. Generally, these biting insects are infected with the organism at a much lesser rate than that of the tick. SymptomsThe medical histories of most Lyme disease patients indicate that they were unaware of being bitten by a tick. They did notice an unusual red skin rash at the onset of their disease that expanded for several days or weeks. More than one rash may appear. And, they may not always occur at the site of the tick bite. Rashes may occur anywhere on the body. The red patches may be warm, but are generally not painful and usually do not itch. Some also experienced headaches, fever, swollen glands, malaise (tiredness) along with sore muscles and joints. These signs are important because medical intervention with antibiotics at this point can avoid later serious complications from the disease. Left untreated the disease can produce complications to the heart, bone joints and the nervous system. Still later, in the absence of medical treatment or with inadequate treatment, chronic arthritic and neurological problems can occur. Physicians need to take a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. TreatmentAntibiotics help in all stages of the disease but the earlier the treatment begins, the easier it is to prevent its long-term and serious effects. Because it is often difficult to diagnose, and often produces variable symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor immediately if in doubt. Physicians in Nassau County have been sent instructional material from the County Health Department as well as from the New York State Department of Health to help them diagnose the disease. Rocky Mountain Spotted FeverRocky Mountain Spotted Fever is another acute infectious disease transmitted by ticks. The infecting agent is a microbe transmitted in the Eastern portion of the United States by the American Dog tick. Like Lyme disease, most cases occur in the spring and summer. The illness begins several days after a tick bite. SymptomsThe symptoms of this disease are more dramatic than Lyme disease and usually include high fever, headache, chills and severe fatigue. A spotted rash develops on the hands and feet and spreads over the entire body. Again, remember if you have been bitten by a tick and have any symptoms, you should consult your physician. TreatmentAs with Lyme disease, early detection and treatment is the best response to limit the severity of the illness. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever responds to antibiotic therapy and is besttreated in the early stages of development. Physicians must take blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Preventing Tick Borne DiseaseSimply put, the best way to prevent a Uck-borne disease is to avoid ticks -- something easier said than done. While we generally associate Ucks with woodland and grassland, there is the distinct possibility that they also exist in backyards and shrubs. Most cases occur from late spring through summer, with June and July the time of greatest risk; a season which coincides with our desire to be out-of-doors. By following simple precautions it is possible to reduce the risk of a tick bite -- diseased or not -- and continue to enjoy outdoor activities in Nassau County and elsewhere. Avoid the favored habitats of the tick such as tall grass, bushes and woods. Walk in the center of woodland trails to avoid brushing against vegetation bearing ticks. Dress for the outdoors by wearing light colored clothesl Wear long pants tucked into socks or boots. Long sleeves protect bare arms. Do not go barefoot or in sandals. Routinely inspect clothing for ticks. Caution! Insect repellent should be used with extreme care.Always follow application directions precisely as they appear on the label. Never overuse these chemicals, on children, on yourself or your pets. Overuse, as well as improperly following the precautions on the label may lead to over absorbtion of chemicals through the skin and cause allergic and toxic reactions. Check your children and yourself frequently when outdoors. Children are at greater risk because they spend more time outside and tend to play in the natural habitat of ticks. At night carefully inspect yourself and your children, especially in areas of the groin, waistline, underarms, neck and scalp. Because research indicates it may take an infected tick as long as 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease, it is essential to check for ticks every two to three hours while outside. A complete check should be done after undressing at home. Check pets for Ticks. If a pet brings a tick inside you can be bitten in your home. Flea and tick collars mat help. Around your home, keep grass cut short and remove any unwanted vegetation. The transition area between woods and your yard is an ideal environment for ticks. Check and check again for ticks, especially if you are pregnant. Recent evidence indicates Lyme disease can cross the placenta to the fetus. If you are pregnant and have been exposed to Lyme disease it is urgent that you talk to your doctor. Tick Removal
VaccinesClinical trials are now underway on a vaccine which if successful, may be available in a year or so. Some final wordsLyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever are serious but preventable diseases. Ticks are usually only a nuisance-and most do not carry disease. By taking the simple precautions appearing in this brochure and by being alert to the possibility of tick bites and realizing tick - borne disease can be treated with antibiotics after early detection, you will be able to safely enjoy all warm weather outdoor activities.
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