The coming of spring heralds many things for New Yorkers. An end to snow and cold. The chance to visit the many parks and forests in the state. And, for some, it may mean a tick bite that carries Lyme Disease.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) analysis of the onset of Lyme Disease in patients during the period 1992 to 2004 shows that June and July are the peak months for catching the illness. May and August are also higher than average but it is the end of spring and the beginning of summer that is the danger zone.
New York averaged 24.8 cases of Lyme Disease per 100,000 of population in the period 2005 to 2009. For the period 1995 to 2008, the average number of cases recorded was 4,479.
Lyme Disease is tranmitted by the bite of a deer tick. This tiny insect must stay attached for 24 to 48 hours to transmit the illness so prompt removal of any attached ticks is important. Using tweezers, grasp the tick as clost to the mouth as possible and pull straight out.
Prevention is better than removal. Use a repellent containing DEET or permethrin. Avoid walking through brush and shrubbery when possible. Wear long sleeves and long pants to reduce skin exposure. Check for ticks after being outside and check pets as well.
Lyme Disease symptoms and diagnosis
One of the definitive signs of a Lyme Disease infection is the appearance of a circular rash called erythema migrans or EM. It is present in 70-80% of patients and appears at the site of the tick bite. It may delay appearing up to 30 days after the bite. This rash may grow, in the circular pattern, up to a foot in diameter, with a clear center so that the rash resembles a bullseye.
Other symptoms may include, fatigue, fever, swollen lympth nodes and muscle and joint aches. If untreated over half of those infected with Lyme Disease will develop arthritic symptoms.
Lyme disease is usually diagnosed by the appearance of the bullseye rash and the physician's analysis of the patient's symptoms and history of exposure to tick bits. Blood tests are available to the physician if necessary.
The current recommendation for treating Lyme Disease by the National Institutes of Health is for a course of oral antibiotics. Most patients will be illness free in a few weeks.
There is medical evidence that a small number of patients continue to experience Lyme Disease aftereffects despite the normal course of treatment. These conditions may be termed "chronic Lyme disease" or "post-Lyme disease syndrome". The National Institutes of Health do not recommend continued courses of antibiotics in patients without an active Lyme Disease infection. Several clinical trials support that conclusion.
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