Pomperaug Health District Offers Advice for Lyme Disease Ticks

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infective black legged tick, which is also known as the deer tick. Black legged ticks are found everywhere – in the woods, in fields, at the shore, in the backyard. Ticks like to rest on low-lying brush and “catch a ride” on a passing animal or person. They bite year round. However, the peak season in the northeast is April – September. Here are some tips to reduce your chance of getting a tick bite: Avoid tick infested areas, when possible. When walking in the woods, stay on trails and try no to brush up against low bushes or tall grass. Wear light colored clothing which will allow you to spot ticks more easily. Wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks. If you cannot wear protective clothing, increase your vigilance in conducting tick-checks. Use an EPA-approved tick repellent. Insect repellants containing no more than 30% DEET can be used on skin and clothing. Follow label directions carefully. Insect repellents must be used with caution – especially on children. Never apply insect repellents to a child’s hands and face. Always wash off the repellent when you return inside. Conduct a tick-check on clothing and exposed skin. You should also do a naked, full body examination at your earliest convenience. Be sure to check the scalp, behind and in the ears and behind any joints. Check your pets. Pets can get Lyme disease. They can also bring ticks into the house and put you and your family at risk.

Removing a tick can sometimes be difficult. To remove the tick properly, use the following procedure. Use fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick at the place of attachment, as close to the skin as possible. Gently pull the tick straight out. Place the tick in a small, clear vial or zip-lock baggie. If you must remove the tick with your fingers, use a tissue or leaf to avoid contact with infected tick fluids. Do not put the tick on a piece of tape or in alcohol. Do not prick, crush or burn the tick as it may release infected fluids or tissues. Do not try to smother the tick with petroleum jelly or nail polish – the tick will still have enough oxygen to complete its feeding.

The Pomperaug District Department of Health can send black-legged ticks to be analyzed for the Lyme Disease bacteria. The Health District provides this free service for residents of Southbury, Woodbury and Oxford. Persons who find ticks on themselves or family members may bring the ticks to the Health District office at 800 Main Street South in Southbury. The ticks are sent to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station for analysis. Results are available in 3-6 weeks, depending on how busy the lab is. So far this year, the Health District has sent 78 ticks for analysis, 35% of which were positive for the Lyme Disease bacteria.

A Lyme Disease vaccine has been approved by the FDA. It is a three dose vaccine for people ages 15-70. The vaccine is given on a 0, 1,and 12 month schedule. The efficacy rate is 78% against definite Lyme disease and 100% against asymptomatic infection after the three doses. Persons who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in tick-infested grassy or wooded areas, should consider the vaccine.

In 1998, there were3434 cases of Lyme Disease diagnosed in Connecticut. The incidence rate for the state was 104 per 100,000 people. Within the District, there were 43 cases of Lyme Disease in 1998. Southbury had 15 cases, with an incidence rate of 94 per 100,000 people. Woodbury had 10 cases with a rate of 122 and Oxford had 18 cases with a rate of 207.

Diagnosing Lyme Disease can be difficult. The blood tests often show false-negatives. The symptoms of Lyme Disease can be mistaken for many other illnesses and it may be necessary to repeat blood tests. Early signs include fever, fatigue, headache, chills and body aches. There may also be a rash that is often shaped like a bull’s eye. This rash appears in only about 60% of the cases and it may not be at the site of the tick bite. The rash may appear within a day of the bite or up to a month later. Do not confuse a local reaction to the tick bite with signs of infection. A small inflamed skin bump or discoloration is probably due to a local reaction to the disruption of the skin. If left untreated, Lyme Disease can lead to serious joint, neurological, and heart conditions. Lyme Disease can be treated with antibiotics. Anyone who experiences flu-like symptoms after being bit by a tick should see a doctor.