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One Town Hall Plaza | Clifton Park, NY 12065 | (518) 371-6651 |
West Nile Information
What is Lyme disease?
Symptoms
Treatment
Prevention
Protection
Lyme Disease and Pets
Protecting Pets
Message from the Supervisor
For more information
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a spirochete
bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacterium is transmitted to animals and
humans through the bite of infected deer ticks and western black-legged ticks
(found in the western part of the country). Lyme disease was first recognized in
the United States in 1975 near Lyme, Connecticut. Since then, Lyme disease has
spread from Maryland to Massachusetts. Although, upstate New York (north of
Greene County), has reported fewer cases than areas south and east. Residents
should still take precautions to avoid contracting the tick-borne disease.
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Symptoms
Within a few days to several weeks following a tick bite,
80% of victims will show a slowly expanding bulls-eye type rash (erythema
migrans). The rash may be accompanied by tiredness, fever, headache, muscle
aches, joint pain, and a stiff neck. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to
arthritis and neurologic abnormalities. In the most severe cases, Lyme disease
can lead to serious cardiac abnormalities.
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Treatment
Lyme disease is easily treatable in the early stages using
antibiotics. The likelihood of complete recovery is increased the sooner it is
diagnosed. Since prior infection does not produce immunity, it is possible to
become re-infected with the disease.
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Prevention
The key to preventing Lyme disease is to detect a tick
bite early. A tick must be attached for at least 36 hours to possibly pass Lyme
disease to a human.
Residents should inspect themselves and children for ticks
regularly, especially after being in woods or tall grass. Adult deer ticks are
about the size of an apple seed and have a black head and orange abdomen, while
nymphs (a younger stage of a tick) are a lighter color and the size of a poppy
seed. Ticks can be found on any part of the body, especially the groin, armpits,
neck, and scalp. They may be very difficult to spot initially so LOOK CAREFULLY!
To remove a tick properly, the New York State Department
of Health recommends:
- Grasp the tick's mouthparts with tweezers or forceps as
close as possible to the attachment site (skin). Be careful not to squeeze,
crush, or puncture the body of the tick.
- Pull upward and out with firm and steady pressure
- After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite
site and wash your hands.
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Protection
People who are active in the outdoors are more likely to
encounter ticks. Campers, hikers, children, landscapers, etc, need to take extra
time to look for ticks.
Precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of a tick
bite. These include:
- Avoidance of tick-infested areas such as, tall
grass, over grown trails, etc.
- Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be
more easily seen.
- Long pants and long sleeve shirts should be
worn when in questionable areas. If
wearing shorts, high socks are suggested.
- Layers of clothing should be tucked into one
another to limit ticks to the outside of
clothing.
- Insect repellant containing 20-30% DEET is an
effective measure to repel ticks. It
should be applied to clothing and exposed skin (except
face).
- Repellants containing DEET should NOT be
applied to the hands of small children.
- Before applying any repellant, ALWAYS READ THE
LABEL!
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Lyme disease and pets
Lyme disease can also be a serious problem for pets. Lyme
disease has been diagnosed in dogs, cats (rarely show symptoms), horses, and
cattle.
Dogs, although not as obvious, may show symptoms similar
to humans. An affected dog may become lethargic, experience loss of appetite,
fever, or lameness in more than one limb. More severe effects may include heart,
kidney, and neurological damage.
Protecting pets
Pets can be protected by applying tick killing sprays,
veternarian recommended flea & tick medications and dips (Use precaution when
using these applications), or collars. Pets can also be vaccinated for Lyme
disease. Conduct frequent tick checks. Examine animal closely for embedded
ticks. If a tick is found, the removal procedure is the same as that for a human
(see Prevention). Pets infected with Lyme Disease can be treated with
antibiotics.
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Message from the
Supervisor
Dear Neighbor:
Thank you for taking the time to browse this website. Lyme
disease has become more worrisome and we want to arm you with information to
protect your family and pets. Please take the precautions listed and always
inspect your family after spending time outdoors.
Sincerely,
Phil Barrett, Town Supervisor
371-6651
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For more information
Center for Disease Control
Automated service: 1-888-232-3228
Direct line to CDC: 1-970-221-6400
Lyme Disease Network
Saratoga County Public Health
Phone: 1-518-584-7460
Mosquito
Dunks -- West Nile Information |
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