Lyme disease is spread through a tick bite, but are you aware that tick season is just about year-round? There is a second tick peak from mid-August to November for adult ticks, which are about the size of sesame seeds. Also, while not every tick can transmit the disease, it’s not just adult ticks that can transmit the disease. Young ticks, called nymphs (more active in the spring and summer), can also be hard to spot.
Myth: Ticks are only in grassy and wooded areas. This is false; ticks can also be on lawns and groundcover plants. Myth: Ticks can jump. This is also false; they can only crawl.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It primarily spreads through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, often called deer ticks. While humans are commonly affected, pets like dogs and cats are also at risk. Dogs, for example, are particularly susceptible and can exhibit symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, joint pain, and lethargy. Cats, on the other hand, rarely show symptoms but can still carry the disease. Pet owners must be vigilant, especially during tick season when these parasites are more active.
Understanding Lyme Disease in Humans
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in the United States and is most prevalent in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions.
Symptoms of Lyme disease include:
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A red, ring-shaped rash called erythema migrans at the site of the bite
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Fever, headache, and fatigue
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Flu-like symptoms
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Joint pain and weakness in the limbs
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Lyme disease can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system if left untreated. However, most people recover completely after taking a 2–4 week course of antibiotics.
Understanding Lyme Disease in Pets
Generally, owners have their dogs on a flea and tick preventative. However, should a dog contract Lyme Disease, symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain or swelling. Some dogs may also develop kidney disease, while others may experience neurological symptoms.
While dogs are more frequently affected, cats can carry deer ticks that transmit the disease. Interestingly, cats often don’t show the typical symptoms associated with Lyme disease, making it hard to detect. However, some cats might experience vague symptoms like lethargy, reduced appetite, or discomfort in their joints. Since these symptoms can be attributed to various conditions, it’s crucial to monitor any changes in your cat’s behavior carefully. Preventive measures, such as keeping your cat indoors during peak tick season and using tick control products, can minimize the risk of infection. Regular grooming and checking for ticks, especially after your cat has been outdoors, are also effective strategies. If you suspect your cat may have been exposed to Lyme disease, consult your veterinarian for guidance and potential testing. Early intervention can help maintain your cat’s health.
Horses can get Lyme Disease as well. Symptoms include shifting-leg lameness, stiffness, hypersensitivity to touch, weight loss, and poor performance.
Here are some tips to keep ticks at bay and avoid a tick bite:
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Tall grass attracts ticks; keep your grass mowed.
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Remove leaf litter, brush, and weeds at the edge of the lawn.
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Restrict the use of groundcover, especially in a damp area where pets will roam.
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Keep stone walls and wood piles free of brush and leaves.
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Ensure that stone walls and small openings around the home are sealed to discourage rodents.
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Keep firewood piles and bird feeders away from the house.
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Keep your pet out of the woods; even if they take meds to prevent ticks, they still may bring ticks into the home.
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For gardens, use plants that repel deer. Irish Spring soap keeps them at bay, too.
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If your home abuts a wooded area, don’t put your kids’ play area on the woodland edge; place any swingsets or sandboxes on a bed of wood chips or mulch.
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Ticks don’t like the sun, so trim tree branches and shrubs around the edge of your to let in more sunlight.
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Ticks love damp areas, so try landscaping with gravel pathways and mulches. Keep a at least 3-foot border between lawn and woods or stone walls with wood chips, mulch, or gravel.
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If grass is in your garden area, consider removing or killing it to reduce the risk. To do so, place cardboard on top, soak it with water, and cover it with wood chips, mulch, or gravel. This will kill the existing grass, and the cardboard will disintegrate over time.
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If you use a pesticide, do not use near any body of water, as it may pollute the water and kill aquatic life.
Sources for Understanding and Preventing Lyme Disease
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Lyme disease and access credible information, consider these reputable sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC provides extensive information on Lyme disease, including symptoms, prevention tips, and treatment options. Visit their website for guidelines and updates.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Although Lyme disease is more prevalent in certain regions, the WHO offers a global perspective on tick-borne diseases. Check their website for international resources and data.
American Lyme Disease Foundation
This foundation is dedicated to the prevention and control of Lyme disease. Their site offers detailed information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and research updates. Explore their resources at aldf.com.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Part of the National Institutes of Health, NIAID provides research-focused information on Lyme disease. Their website offers insights into ongoing studies and potential future treatments.
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS)
ILADS is a nonprofit organization focused on education and awareness. They offer guidelines for prevention and treatment, aiming to improve patient care. Visit ilads.org for professional insights and resources
