Conservation Corner: May 14, 2001

Lyme Disease
by James L. Cummins

We have all heard many stories about Lyme disease. This past summer I was making a clearing for bobwhite quail and turkey on our family farm in Webster County and noticed a "bullseye" like lesion on my left arm. I went to see my doctor, Dr. Jim, in Kilmichael. He just laughed at me and sent me on my way. Nevertheless, I did some research on the subject. Below I will discuss what the disease is about and how to prevent it.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spirochete bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi), which is transmitted to people by the bite of the tiny tick Ixodes scapularis, or deer ticks. Ixodes ticks are found in vegetation and on animals in marshes, grasslands and wooded habitats. Due to the small size of Ixodes ticks, bites often go undetected. Though more prevalent during the warmer months, Lyme disease can occur in any season.

Lyme disease is treatable. The earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat; however, diagnosis is often difficult.

Early symptoms include a rash or red patch, often slowly expanding over several days to as large as 18" in diameter; flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever or chills; as well as stiff neck and/or muscles; difficulty with concentration and memory and fatigue. Pain, swelling and an elevated temperature may occur in one or more joints if the disease is left untreated. The best way to prevent yourself from contracting Lyme disease is to be aware of tick habitats and avoid them. However, if you enjoy the outdoors, or must work in these habitats, following certain precautions can decrease your risk. Wear a hat, a tucked in shirt with snug collar and cuffs, long pants with the cuffs tucked into your socks and shoes or boots. Light colored clothing will help you detect any ticks. Apply insect repellent on your clothing. Brush off clothing and pets before entering the house. Undress, shower and check your skin for ticks; they usually crawl about for several hours before biting. Wash all clothing immediately to remove any ticks.

If you find any ticks attached, remove them with fine pointed tweezers by gently, repeatedly, and patiently tugging at the point where the mouthparts enter the skin. DO NOT SQUEEZE THE TICK'S BODY. Wipe the bite area with antiseptic.

Save the tick in a jar of alcohol labeled with the date, bite location and the location where you were when you acquired the tick. This information may be useful to your doctor.

If you notice any of the above symptoms lasting for several days (whether or not they follow a tick bite), see your physician. Pregnant or nursing women who have been bitten by a tick should consult their doctor.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.