Lyme-disease Cases on the Rise – Urgent Precautions Recommended

Lyme-Disease

Tick-borne illness: Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. It is named after the city of Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first identified in the 1970s. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States and Europe, with cases reported in other parts of the world as well.

Transmission:

Lyme-Disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks in the northeastern and north-central United States and western black-legged ticks in the western United States. These ticks become infected by eating infected animals such as rats, deer and birds. Transmission of the bacterium from tick to human usually occurs after being attached to the tick for 24 to 48 hours or longer.

The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary and appear in stages. In the early stage, which usually occurs within 3 to 30 days after the tick bite, a person may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. One of the key symptoms of Lyme disease is a skin rash called erythema migrans, which resembles a “bull’s-eye” with a clear area and a red center surrounded by a red outer ring. Lyme disease doesn’t always present with the characteristic rash. If left untreated, the infection can progress to the later stages of Lyme disease, which may present with more severe symptoms, such as:

1. Neurological symptoms: These may include meningitis, facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face), and radiculopathy (nerve pain and weakness in specific areas of the body).
2. Cardiac symptoms: Lyme carditis, an inflammation of the heart tissue, can occur and cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and fainting.
3. Arthritis: Some individuals may experience intermittent or long-lasting episodes of joint pain and swelling, usually affecting large joints such as the knees.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing Lyme disease can be challenging because of its varied symptoms and the potential for misinterpretation of laboratory tests. Doctors often rely on a combination of clinical symptoms, patient history (including possible exposure to tick-infested areas), and laboratory testing. Serological tests, such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) followed by Western blot testing, are commonly used to detect antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi.

Treatment:

Lyme disease treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic and the duration of treatment depend on the stage of the disease and the severity of the symptoms. Doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime – common Lyme antibiotics. Early treatment is important to prevent the infection from progressing to a more serious stage.

Redressal:

Prevention of Lyme disease includes taking precautionary measures to avoid tick bites. Some preventive measures include:

1. Avoid tick-infested areas, especially wooded and grassy areas.
2. Wear long-sleeved clothing and tuck pants into socks when in a tick-infested environment.
3. Using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing.
4. Regularly inspect yourself, your family and pets after spending time outside.
5. If a tick is found on the skin, remove it immediately with fine-tipped tweezers.

In conclusion, Lyme disease is a significant health concern, and early detection and treatment are important to prevent complications. By adopting preventive measures and being vigilant in tick-infested areas, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting Lyme disease. If you suspect you may have been exposed to ticks and develop any symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.