What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a bacteria called Borellia burgdorferi. The disease, most common in the northeast, northcentral and west coast of the United States, is spread to humans by a tick carrying this bacteria. Outdoor activities such as hiking and camping increase potential exposure to infected ticks.
Usually 7-14 days after a tick bite occurs, infected patients develop a characteristic rash that looks like a bullseye. While the rash may be the only sign of infection, other potential symptoms include:
Fever
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes, usually in the neck or groin
Achy muscles and joints
If untreated, complications of lyme disease can occur months to years after the initial tick bite and can affect the heart, joints, and the brain.
How is Lyme Disease Treated?
Both early and late stages of the disease are treated with antibiotics. Usually these can be administered by mouth but can be given through as IV as well. If caught early and treated, symptoms usually completely resolve and you don’t need to worry about later complications.
You can prevent lyme disease by:
Avoiding places ticks live especially shaded moist areas
Wear a hat, long sleeves, and pants
Wear closed shoes
Use bug sprays- if it contains DEET make sure no more than 30% and wash off with soap and water
Check your body for ticks after hiking/camping
How to Remove a Tick
Use a fine tweezers
Grab the tick as close to skin as possible. Don’t squeeze!
Carefully, pull the tick directly away from the skin
Wash the area with rubbing alcohol
See a doctor in person if…
Your child’s fever persists 48-72 hours after starting antibiotics
Your child develops a severe headache or neck pain
Your child develops joint point
Your child isn’t acting like themselves
Your child develops a one-sided facial droop