Lyme disease.

Last updated Thursday, December 23, 2004

Figure 1 - Common ticks are very small

Incidence and risk factors

Who gets lyme disease and why?

People who live or work in or enter wooded or marshy areas are most at risk for Lyme disease. During spring and summer, these areas are home to a very tiny tick (see figure 1). Some of these ticks carry a kind of bacteria that causes Lyme disease. When the ticks bite people or pets, they can pass along this bacteria.

If you live or vacation in areas where ticks carry Lyme disease, it's important to:

1. avoid ticks,
2. recognize symptoms, and
3. seek medical care early.

Can lyme disease be prevented?

These are several things you can do to avoid tick bites, including:

1. wearing protective clothing
2. checking yourself, children, and pets for ticks
3. clearing away brushy or grassy areas near your home that attract ticks

The ticks that carry Lyme disease can be hard to spot. They are much smaller than the common dog tick. Immature ticks are about the size of a head on a common pin and are a little larger after they fill with blood.

The ticks go through cycles. They may feed on birds, chipmunks, white-footed mice, deer, cows, horses, cats, and dogs. They fall off these animals into tall grasses in marshes or fields or into brush in wooded areas. Then the ticks develop to their next life stage, and bite people and animals. Most people are bitten by immature ticks during spring and summer. Adult ticks are larger and can bite at other times of the year.

You can take steps to reduce your chances of getting bitten by ticks. When you go into wooded or marshy areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed-toed shoes. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot. Shower when you come in from outdoors, and wash your clothes immediately. You may want to keep dogs and other family pets from roaming outside during times of the year when ticks are active.

Tick repellents may help protect you, but you should read the labels carefully before using them. Some should not touch skin and may only be safely used on clothing. Your veterinarian may suggest a tick collar or other repellent for your pet.

You can lower your chances of getting Lyme disease by inspecting yourself and your children for ticks when you come in from outdoors. Look closely at the hair, ears, underarms, trunk of the body, groin, and backs of the knees. Inspect your pets, too, before letting them indoors. Pets may carry ticks into the house that fall off and bite family members.

Even with the best precautions, you may find an attached tick. Remove it gently with a pair of tweezers. Be careful not to squeeze the body of the tick. Save the tick in a jar with a moist piece of tissue paper, if later identification by experts is needed. Wipe the skin near the bite with an antiseptic and wash your hands with soap and water.

Homeowners can help reduce the chances of having ticks in the yard. Clear brush and cut long grass near the house. Wood piles attract mice and should be placed away from the house. Bird feeders should be put at the edge of the yard.

Certain parts of the country have reported more cases of Lyme disease. These include the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states from Massachusetts to Virginia, the North Central States, and Northern California. Most states have reported cases. The disease is fairly common in many countries in Europe.

How useful was this page or article? This article is rated out of 5 stars (142 ratings). Not useful at all Not very useful Useful Very useful Extremely useful