Lyme disease was formally defined in 1975 when several cases occurred in Lyme, Connecticut. Rapidly it became the most common insect born infectious disease in the United States; affecting more than 16,000 people a year in 47 different states. It has also been reported in Australia, Japan, China and Europe.
This debilitating disease is caused by bacteria that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected ticks that live on deer. Even though the ticks are named deer ticks they have been known to live on mice, raccoons and rabbits too. These animals are the food source for young ticks (nymphs) and adult ticks.
DISEASE
A person who has been bitten by an infected tick that stays on them for one day or more, will then be affected by the bacteria at the site. The warning sign is a red spot on the skin that turns into the appearance of a bulls-eye. After three days to one month the bacteria will seep into the skin and spread through the blood to affect other organs.
The afflicted person will experience fever, headaches, pain in muscles, pain in joints, swollen lymph glands and fatigue. These symptoms come and go. If undetected, the next stage of this illness can be abnormalities in nerve function, Bell's Palsy, Meningitis, irregular heartbeats, chest pain and inflammation of the heart. One of the most tell-tale symptoms of Lyme disease is inflammation of the joints (especially the knee.) If untreated, months to years after developing this disease, a person can be stricken with chronic arthritis. There have been cases where people develop neurological abnormalities. The most common symptoms of these abnormalities are numbness and shooting pains in the arms, legs and back, sleep disorders, loss of memory, mood swings and speech problems.
Sometimes Lyme disease is hard to diagnose; that is why it is recommended that if the tick is found and carefully removed, (remember do not touch it) to save it in a jar and bring it to the doctor! Tips on preventing tick bites are listed below:
#1. Use an insect repellent that contains DEET.
#2. Do not sit on stone walls, leaves or the ground.
#3. Wear light colored clothing so that you can see ticks that are on you.
#4. Wear socks and boots especially when walking in wooded areas.
#5. Wear long pants, long sleeved shirts and make sure you tuck everything in, so that ticks can not make contact with your skin.
#6. Keep the lawn mowed and remove leaves or brush.
#7. The most important preventative measure is to inspect your body thoroughly because the tick has to be attached for at least one day to transmit Lyme disease.
#8. If you think that a tick might have bitten you seek medical attention immediately.
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics or doxycycline. Did you know that a vaccine against Lyme disease was available but withdrawn from the market in year 2002. According to the maker, a British company, Glaxo SmithKline, there wasn't enough demand (meaning the financial return was low) as usual, it all comes down to money!
If you live in an area where Lyme disease is common, it is wise to use preventative measures!
Lyme Disease Vaccine Pulled Off the Market DISEASE
No comments:
Post a Comment