Alert   Lyme  Disease Alert
From the: Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation  

A disease we all must learn about.

A bacterial infection resulting from a tick bite


The ticks that carry Lyme disease live in grass, weeds, forest floors, leaf litter, and bushes.  They are seldom found higher than 18 inches above the ground. They become active when temperatures are -2C (30F) and above. They can come into your home on your pets. Most disease transmitting bites occur from a tick in the nymph stage, when they are only the size of a poppy seed. Many victims do not recall a tick bite. Only a minority of people will get or recall a rash.

Prevention

New research suggests living by a small patch of woods could increase your chances of contracting Lyme disease. Scientists from several institutions have discovered small forest fragments tend to have more Lyme disease-carrying ticks than larger areas. Although such fragments generally have fewer species than larger wooded areas, some animals actually do better in small forest patches. One such species is the white-footed mouse, which seems to thrive in fragments smaller than 5 acres. This could mean trouble for people living nearby because the mice are one of the main hosts and reservoir of Lyme bacteria, researchers say.  The mice, birds, and pets then transport the ticks to your gardens and lawns. Wear pants tucked into socks and light coloured clothing with long sleeve shirts. Apply products containing DEET as a repellent to clothes and exposed skin.

Tick Removal

Perform tick checks regularly over the entire body.  They prefer warm moist areas.  Embedded ticks should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers. DO NOT use fingers to pull out ticks.  DO NOT use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish, or other products. Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible with tip of tweezers. With a steady motion, pull the tick's body away from the skin. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are contained in the tick's midgut or salivary glands. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.  Seek medical attention immediately…do NOT wait for symptoms.  Early symptoms are flu-like.

Some of the more common incorrect diagnoses for late stage Lyme disease include:

Fibromyalgia, arthritis of various types, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFIDS), heart disorders, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, early ALS, early Alzheimer’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, Interstitial Cystitis, GERD and many other more non-descript illnesses.  For a thorough understanding of symptoms visit our web site www.canlyme.org.

www.canlyme.org