Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection that initially can cause fatigue, chills and fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash. You can get the disease from the bite of an infected tick. However not all types of ticks carry Lyme Disease! The following information from the Vermont Department of Health is intended to help you take appropriate action to keep your kids healthy.
CAUSE: Lyme Disease is transmitted by the bite of infected black-legged tick or deer tick. Deer ticks are tiny and often go unnoticed. They are smaller than dog ticks. In the egg and infant stages they are no bigger than the head of a pin. Adults are about the size of an apple seed.
PREVENTION: Ticks prefer wooded and bushy areas with high grass and a lot of leaves on the ground. While outdoors:
? Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to minimize skin exposure.
? Tuck your pants into your socks to form a barrier to tick attachment.
? Wear light colored clothing to make ticks easier to see.
? Check for ticks, knowing that they may look like a freckle or speck of dirt.
? You may decide to use tick and insect repellent containing DEET or permethrin. DEET containing preparations should be used sparingly, not applied to face or hands, and should not exceed 10% concentrations for children over 3 years of age and 30% for adults. DEET should not be used on infants or children under age 3. Follow the directions on the container carefully.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A TICK OR A BITE:
Ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease, so daily tick checks and prompt removal of ticks can prevent infection. If you remove an embedded tick or notice a bite mark, make a note on your calendar in case you develop symptoms of infection later (usually days to weeks).
Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics, especially if treatment is given early. Left untreated, Lyme disease may affect other parts of the body, including the heart and nervous system.
For more information on Lyme disease and ticks, including how to properly remove a tick, visit the Health Department's web site at: healthvermont.gov.
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