LymeDisease

Serving The Heart of Bergen County
	What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a spirochete [spy'-ro-keet], which is a type of bacteria. The disease is carried primarily by “Black-Legged Ticks” (also commonly known as “deer ticks”), and can be transmitted to both animals and humans through tick bites.In New Jersey, this tick is primarily responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. The highest rates of Lyme disease are found in wooded area which have high deer populations. Although we particularly need to practice prevention during the spring, summer and fall months, Lyme disease cases are reported throughout the year because ticks are active when temperatures are above 40 degrees. Because of these facts, it is important that all residents be particularly aware of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, and that we learn to follow a few simple precautions to help protect ourselves and our families. The deer tick is generally found in areas where deer, mice and other animals roam, such as wooded areas. In addition, longer grass or brush, low bushes and shrubs, and moist leaf litter are common habitats. Ticks crawl very slowly, and can travel distances only by attaching to a person, animal, or bird. This is how a tick can move out of the woods and into gardens and backyards. Lyme disease is diagnosed by physicians based upon clinical signs and symptoms, along with a history of known or suspected tick exposure. Blood tests are sometimes used to confirm diagnosis. Lyme Disease - Proper Removal of Ticks: Research has shown that a period of at least 36-48 hours of tick attachment is generally required for transmission of the bacteria. Therefore, frequent and thorough self-examination for ticks, and proper tick removal, can be an effective way to prevent infection. What To Do:  Move to a well-lit area.  Grasp the tick close to the skin using fine point tweezers.  Pull it out in a steady motion (do not jerk or crush the tick).  Wash the area with soap and water and record on a calendar the site of the attachment and the date you removed the tick.  Watch for signs and symptoms such as an expanding rash, flu-like symptoms, and joint pain and swelling. The expanding rash can disappear quickly, so it is important to see your physician as soon as possible before the rash fades for early diagnosis and treatment. The rash is diagnostic, which means that Lyme Disease treatment can be initiated and late Lyme Disease symptoms can be avoided.  If no rash appears but headache, joint pain, fatigue, and fever appear about 30 days after tick bite, contact your physician and advise him/her of your symptoms and history of tick bite. What Not To Do:  DO NOT attempt to remove tick by twisting, squashing or burning it. Any of these actions can INCREASE your risk of developing Lyme.  DO NOT smother tick with petroleum jelly, alcohol or any other substance. These too may increase your risk or developing Lyme. Adapted from Fact Sheet developed by the Hunterdon County Department of Health

Serving The Heart of Bergen County

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease is an infection caused by a spirochete [spy'-ro-keet], which is a type of bacteria. The disease is carried primarily by “Black-Legged Ticks” (also commonly known as “deer ticks”), and can be transmitted to both animals and humans through tick bites.In New Jersey, this tick is primarily responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. The highest rates of Lyme disease are found in wooded area which have high deer populations. Although we particularly need to practice prevention during the spring, summer and fall months, Lyme disease cases are reported throughout the year because ticks are active when temperatures are above 40 degrees.

Because of these facts, it is important that all residents be particularly aware of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, and that we learn to follow a few simple precautions to help protect ourselves and our families.

The deer tick is generally found in areas where deer, mice and other animals roam, such as wooded areas. In addition, longer grass or brush, low bushes and shrubs, and moist leaf litter are common habitats. Ticks crawl very slowly, and can travel distances only by attaching to a person, animal, or bird. This is how a tick can move out of the woods and into gardens and backyards.

Lyme disease is diagnosed by physicians based upon clinical signs and symptoms, along with a history of known or suspected tick exposure. Blood tests are sometimes used to confirm diagnosis.

Lyme Disease - Proper Removal of Ticks:

Research has shown that a period of at least 36-48 hours of tick attachment is generally required for transmission of the bacteria. Therefore, frequent and thorough self-examination for ticks, and proper tick removal, can be an effective way to prevent infection.

What To Do:

 Move to a well-lit area.

 Grasp the tick close to the skin using fine point tweezers.

 Pull it out in a steady motion (do not jerk or crush the tick).

 Wash the area with soap and water and record on a calendar the site of the attachment and the date you removed the tick.

 Watch for signs and symptoms such as an expanding rash, flu-like symptoms, and joint pain and swelling. The expanding rash can disappear quickly, so it is important to see your physician as soon as possible before the rash fades for early diagnosis and treatment. The rash is diagnostic, which means that Lyme Disease treatment can be initiated and late Lyme Disease symptoms can be avoided.

 If no rash appears but headache, joint pain, fatigue, and fever appear about 30 days after tick bite, contact your physician and advise him/her of your symptoms and history of tick bite.

What Not To Do:

 DO NOT attempt to remove tick by twisting, squashing or burning it. Any of these actions can INCREASE your risk of developing Lyme.

 DO NOT smother tick with petroleum jelly, alcohol or any other substance.
These too may increase your risk or developing Lyme.

Adapted from Fact Sheet developed by the Hunterdon County Department of Health