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Lyme disease awareness and prevention
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Lyme disease was first identified in Lyme, Connecticut and is the most commonly reported tick related illness in the US. Lyme disease is transmitted from being bitten by a black-legged or deer tick. It can be treated with antibiotics but because the symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue, rash) may be attributed to other common illnesses, it may go undiagnosed. Lyme disease can cause abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. 
The CDC data from 1990 to 2007 lists the following states as the highest with Lyme disease:
New York (79,398), New Jersey (35,902), Connecticut (42,042), Pennsylvania (47,448), and Wisconsin (13,429)
Washington State only had 207, less than a dozen cases each year.
How can you help reduce your risk?
Yard care: Ticks are susceptible to dehydration. Cutting grass short, allowing it to dry completely between watering, removing brush and litter, keeping trees pruned and clearing away excess that may attract wildlife (which can carry the ticks).
If you’re going for a hike, wear light colored clothes (easier to spot the ticks) and long pants. Inspect each other for ticks. Don’t forget to inspect your furry friends too, before they bring it into your home.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?A recent bite followed by the characteristic bullseye (the skin around the bite develops an expanding ring of unraised redness) can make the diagnosis easy. However, a prior un-noticed bite from an infected tick can make it more difficult, often appearing to be Rheumatoid Arthritis. Blood testing for antibodies to Lyme bacteria is generally not helpful in early stage disease, but it can help in diagnosis in later stages. An overview of the patient’s health and ruling out other possible diseases is needed to diagnose Lyme.
Your health is your responsibility:
Everything about your health relies on you being the number one source if something feels off. Sometimes you must be pushy and persistent to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. You may not know what it is right away, but with Lyme disease early detection and treatment are critical.
Lyme can also lead to a host of co-infections: Read more
Enjoy the outdoors, but be mindful.
For more information about Lyme disease:
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