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HOME / BUGS & DISEASE / LYME DISEASE
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease, also known as "Lyme borreliosis", is an infectious disease caused by the Borrelia bacterium which is spread by ticks. The most common sign of infection is an expanding area of redness on the skin that appears at the site of the tick bite about a week after it occurred.
DISEASE TRANSMISSION
Lyme Disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
TICK REMOVAL AND TESTING
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Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
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Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
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After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
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Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet.
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