CONSERVATION CORNER

Lyme Disease

by James L. Cummins

We have all heard many stories about Lyme disease. A few weeks ago, I was working on my mother's farm in Montgomery County. I noticed a tick on me the day after that and it caused me to think about Lyme disease. 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 grasslands, marshes 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 with antibiotics. The earlier it is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. 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. 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.

The best way to prevent your self from contracting Lyme disease is to be aware of tick habitats and avoid these areas. However, if you enjoy the outdoors, or must work in these habitats, taking 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 that may climb aboard. Apply insect repellent on your clothing and repellent collars on your pets. 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 hidden 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 sealed jar of alcohol labeled with the date, body location of the bite, and the location where you were when you acquired the tick. This information may be useful to your doctor. Make an appointment with your physician, because if left untreated, Lyme disease can cause symptoms of arthritis and cause problems with the heart and the nervous-system.

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. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.