LAKE COUNTY? Ahhh spring … flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the sun is shining and ticks start biting.
Northern California is a ripe region for Lyme Disease.
In 1977 Lyme Disease was given a name. It seemed a cluster of children developed arthritic symptoms in a town called Lyme in Connecticut.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that Lyme Disease is a bacterial disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is spread by the bite of a tick. The western black-legged tick, which latches to gray squirrels, mice, deer or lizards, is responsible for passing the dangerous bacteria.
The symptoms of Lyme Disease cover a broad spectrum. In the early stages, the first few weeks, people who have been infected may notice a “bull”s-eye” rash accompanied by an elevated body temperature or fever. Others symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as headache, muscle aches and joint pain.
Some people infected with Lyme Disease will not have any early symptoms.
The good news is that in the early stages Lyme Disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics. The bad news is that as the disease progresses, it requires extensive treatment and causes arthritic and/or neurological problems. The disease can re-infect those who have been treated successfully. It can also lay dormant in the body for years before becoming active.
Ticks are most active in Lake and Mendocino counties in the spring and early months of summer.
According to Robert S. Lane, professor at California State University, Berkeley, roughly 100 cases of Lyme Disease are reported each year in California alone.
Much like the sports metaphor, the best defense is a good offense. Hikers are at high risk of exposure to Lyme Disease, as are those who handle wood, hunt or farm. Tucking pant legs inside of socks can prevent ticks from getting to the flesh readily. It”s also a good idea to wear light colors, as this makes the ticks more visible. Shake clothing out often and examine skin and garments.
Campers should check bedding regularly. Ticks often latch on to areas of the skin that are difficult to see; under the armpits or in warm folds of the flesh.
Lane says that adult ticks climb low vegetation to the height of about 2 to 3 feet in hopes of locating a medium or large – sized mammal to dine on. He says sitting on logs is one of the riskiest behaviors during the spring and early summer months in Northern California.
An embedded tick should be removed immediately by grasping it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible then pulling straight back. Wash the affected area with soap and water and consult a physician promptly. For more information on ticks and Lyme Disease contact Vector Control at 263-4770.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or call directly 263-5636 ext.32.
