This update has been circulating on other listserves and Jo Hudson and I
thought it would be a good one to share with Sierrans.
Jane Clark
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This year is shaping up to be a bad one for ticks. Therefore, I have been
asked to pass this following along to those who spend a good deal of time
outdoors.
Terry VanDeWalle
-----Original Message-----
From: Morning Star Farm [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2001 10:57 AM
To: Terry & Wendy VanDeWalle
Subject: Ticks and Lyme update
Hi, just a few facts about Lyme and some updates. No doubt the ticks have
been crawling on you and the public is asking questions. For a copy of our
Lyme Disease in Iowa brochure, that can be duplicated for display, or a copy
of our Lyme Disease Facts to help you write an article about Lyme, write to
the Iowa Lyme Disease Association, P.O. Box 291, Brighton, IA 52540. A
stamped, self addressed envelope would be appreciated. Thanks for helping to
educate others!
Sincerely,
Kathy Cuddeback, President, Iowa Lyme Disease Association (former
Naturalist for Washington Co. Cons. Bd.)
Ticks are more than just a nuisance. Some carry the Borrelia bacteria, which
causes Lyme disease - the most common tick borne illness. The tiny black
legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, formerly known as the deer tick, is the
famous vector. However, recent, ongoing Midwest research is indicating dog
or wood ticks as well as Lone star ticks can harbor this bacterium. (In this
ongoing study 468 ticks have been examined so far and 60% of the dog ticks,
38% of the Lone star ticks and 0% of the black-legged ticks were infected
with the Borrelia bacteria.) The Lone Star tick can harbor the bacteria
Borrelia lonestari which is very similar to the Lyme bacteria. Research has
NOT proven an infected dog/wood tick can transmit the bacteria to its host,
although many people have identified this tick as the vector.
More facts:
* Lyme disease is the second fastest growing infectious disease in the
nation and occurs all over the world.
* Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose using the current unreliable
tests and must be based on clinical signs and symptoms.
* Lyme is known as the great imitator, often mistaken for ALS, MS,
Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, etc.
* Delay in diagnosis and treatment can mean life long, serious
symptoms.
* The new Lymerix vaccine can cause sudden, severe, arthritis, to
those genetically predisposed and its effectiveness is under scrutiny.
* The CDC case definition is restrictive, set up for surveillance
purposes only, and misses many Iowa clinically diagnosed cases of Lyme
disease. This leads many healthcare professionals to believe that Lyme is
not a serious health threat. Consequently Ld is under-reported,
underdiagnosed, and undertreated in Iowa.
* The bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, is a spirochete, similar to
syphilis, and can cloak itself with a protein cover and spiral into nerves,
tendons and other cells to remain undetected. It also mutates into an "L"
form and a cyst form, thus unable to be destroyed by antibiotics.
* Prevent tick bites by wearing light colored, long sleeved shirts and
pants, pulling socks over cuffs. Use an approved insect repellent on
clothing, and check frequently for ticks. For longer protection use a
product with permethrin on clothing only.
* After an outdoor activity, shower and check thoroughly, and put
clothing in the dryer for one high heat cycle to kill bacteria. Use tick
repellent products on pets and check for ticks regularly.
* Properly remove ticks using tweezers, grasping at the tick's head to
pull it out. Save attached ticks in a sealed container with a blade of
grass. Label date and attachment site and store in refrigerator. (Do NOT use
nail polish, Vaseline or a lighted match to remove ticks- this will cause
the tick to regurgitate the bacteria into your skin!)
* Lyme symptoms begin 3-30 days following a bite. Rashes can be
bulls-eye in shape or a pattern of multiple rashes, but occur only 50% of
the time.
* Saved ticks can be sent to the University of Iowa Hygienic Lab for
bacteria testing.
* Infected pregnant Moms can infect their unborn children, causing
stillbirths and fetal disabilities.
Early Signs of Borrelia infection: flu-like symptoms, fatigue, headache,
swollen glands, stiff neck, sore throat, chills, rash.
Later Signs: muscle pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, motor dysfunction,
balance disorder, dizziness, poor coordination, blurred vision, light
sensitivity, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, heart block, memory loss,
cognitive dysfunction, tremors, seizures, anxiety, sleep disorders, and many
more.
The following Lyme Internet sites have helpful information:
www.lymenet.org <http://www.lymenet.org>
www.lymealliance.com <http://www.lymealliance.com>
http://lymedisease.about.com <http://lymedisease.about.com>
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