What is the treatment for Lyme disease?Įarly treatment of Lyme disease involves antibiotics and almost always results in a full cure. Even if successfully treated, a person may become reinfected if bitten later by another infected tick. Does past infection with Lyme disease make a person immune? When do symptoms appear?Įarly symptoms usually appear within three to 30 days after the bite of an infected tick. These can include severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems. The most severe symptoms of Lyme disease may not appear until weeks, months or years after the tick bite. As the disease progresses, severe fatigue, a stiff aching neck, and tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, or facial paralysis can occur. If Lyme disease is unrecognized or untreated in the early stage, more severe symptoms may occur. The early stage of Lyme disease is usually marked by one or more of the following symptoms: chills and fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, muscle and/or joint pain, and swollen glands. In 60-80 percent of cases, a rash resembling a bull's eye or solid patch, about two inches in diameter, appears and expands around or near the site of the bite. Transfer of the bacteria from an infected pregnant woman to the fetus is extremely rare. Lyme disease does not spread from one person to another. In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 hours or more before the bacteria can be transmitted. The disease can be spread when an infected tick bites a person and stays attached for a period of time. Ticks can become infected if they feed on small animals that are infected. Not all deer ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Infected deer ticks can be found throughout New York State. Ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing. Both nymphs and adults can transmit Lyme disease. Adult ticks, which are approximately the size of sesame seeds, are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November. Young deer ticks, called nymphs, are active from mid-May to mid-August and are about the size of poppy seeds. The chances of being bitten by a deer tick are greater during times of the year when ticks are most active. People who spend time in grassy and wooded environments are at an increased risk of exposure. Lyme disease can affect people of any age. Over 98,500 cases have been reported to the New York State Department of Health since Lyme disease became reportable in 1986. Lyme disease may cause symptoms affecting the skin, nervous system, heart and/or joints of an individual. Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Since Lyme disease first became reportable in 1986, over 98,500 cases have been confirmed in New York State. Patients treated with antibiotics in the early stage of the infection usually recover rapidly and completely. Untreated, the disease can cause a number of health problems. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer tick. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and local health departments continue to investigate the spread of Lyme disease throughout New York State. All Health Care Professionals & Patient Safetyīe Tick Free - A Guide for Preventing Lyme Disease Lyme Disease in New York State.Clinical Guidelines, Standards & Quality of Care.Health & Safety in the Home, Workplace & Outdoors.Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |