Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.times-news.com/local/local_story_176115244.html
Published: June 24, 2008 11:52 am
Lyme disease increasing problem in Maryland
Emily Newman, Times-News Intern
CUMBERLAND - With the arrival of warm weather and ticks, lyme disease is an increasing problem in Maryland. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is helping to educate people through its Maryland Get Ticked Off campaign.
The campaign features educational brochures, posters, fact sheets and magnets that local health departments can distribute to residents to help raise an awareness about the disease. More information can be found at www.marylandgettickedoff.org.
"We need to remember to be careful because tick-borne diseases are on the rise, and ticks can be found throughout the state," said John Colmers, DHMH secretary, in a news release.
According to the state department's Epidemiology and Disease Control Program, the number of cases has steadily risen to more than 2,500 in 2007, which is double the number of cases from 2006. Last year, approximately 10 cases of the disease were reported in Allegany County, but many cases continue to go unreported.
"It's hard to know exactly what is causing the increase," said Katherine Feldman, state public health veterinarian. "People may be coming into contact with the environment more; rural development is a factor. Also, recreationally, people may be exposed to more wooded and bushy areas and perhaps there is an increase in animals that carry ticks."
She also said there is "no sign that lyme disease is going away."
Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States. The disease is caused by a microscopic bacterial organism and spreads to people through a tick bite. The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick, is responsible for spreading the disease in the northeastern United States and is the smallest type of tick.
Deer ticks are approximately the size of a sesame seed and hard to spot. They are most commonly found in wooded or grassy areas and are carried by the white-footed mouse and white-tailed deer. Active tick season is considered to be from April to October, and ticks can be found within cities and urban areas. In order to pass the disease, a tick must be attached to the host for at least 24 hours before it can transmit the bacteria, which is what causes lyme disease.
The signs and symptoms sometimes do not appear until weeks or months after the tick bite. The first stage of the disease is usually marked by fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph glands and a skin rash. The rash is easy to detect because it is marked like a bulls-eye, meaning after the bite, a small red area will develop with the signature white spot in the middle.
"There are a lot of things to do to avoid getting it," said Sue Raver, Allegany County's health officer. "Inspect your kids, family and pets for ticks."
If left untreated, symptoms may progress to facial nerve palsy, arthritis, severe joint swelling and cardiovascular problems, such as an irregular heartbeat. If bitten by a tick, it is important to see a doctor to ensure that no diseases were transmitted.
Insect sprays that contain up to 50 percent DEET are fairly effective and are safe, according to the state health department. Children should only be exposed to 25 percent or less, and only on clothes. Permethrin, a synthetic insecticide, is also effective, but be warned, it must not be used directly on skin.
Health care professionals stress the importance of checking thoroughly for ticks after being in an area where they are commonly found. Wearing light clothes will make them easier to spot and if a tick is found, tweezers are easiest for removing it.
Published: June 24, 2008 11:52 am
Lyme disease increasing problem in Maryland
Emily Newman, Times-News Intern
CUMBERLAND - With the arrival of warm weather and ticks, lyme disease is an increasing problem in Maryland. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is helping to educate people through its Maryland Get Ticked Off campaign.
The campaign features educational brochures, posters, fact sheets and magnets that local health departments can distribute to residents to help raise an awareness about the disease. More information can be found at www.marylandgettickedoff.org.
"We need to remember to be careful because tick-borne diseases are on the rise, and ticks can be found throughout the state," said John Colmers, DHMH secretary, in a news release.
According to the state department's Epidemiology and Disease Control Program, the number of cases has steadily risen to more than 2,500 in 2007, which is double the number of cases from 2006. Last year, approximately 10 cases of the disease were reported in Allegany County, but many cases continue to go unreported.
"It's hard to know exactly what is causing the increase," said Katherine Feldman, state public health veterinarian. "People may be coming into contact with the environment more; rural development is a factor. Also, recreationally, people may be exposed to more wooded and bushy areas and perhaps there is an increase in animals that carry ticks."
She also said there is "no sign that lyme disease is going away."
Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States. The disease is caused by a microscopic bacterial organism and spreads to people through a tick bite. The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick, is responsible for spreading the disease in the northeastern United States and is the smallest type of tick.
Deer ticks are approximately the size of a sesame seed and hard to spot. They are most commonly found in wooded or grassy areas and are carried by the white-footed mouse and white-tailed deer. Active tick season is considered to be from April to October, and ticks can be found within cities and urban areas. In order to pass the disease, a tick must be attached to the host for at least 24 hours before it can transmit the bacteria, which is what causes lyme disease.
The signs and symptoms sometimes do not appear until weeks or months after the tick bite. The first stage of the disease is usually marked by fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph glands and a skin rash. The rash is easy to detect because it is marked like a bulls-eye, meaning after the bite, a small red area will develop with the signature white spot in the middle.
"There are a lot of things to do to avoid getting it," said Sue Raver, Allegany County's health officer. "Inspect your kids, family and pets for ticks."
If left untreated, symptoms may progress to facial nerve palsy, arthritis, severe joint swelling and cardiovascular problems, such as an irregular heartbeat. If bitten by a tick, it is important to see a doctor to ensure that no diseases were transmitted.
Insect sprays that contain up to 50 percent DEET are fairly effective and are safe, according to the state health department. Children should only be exposed to 25 percent or less, and only on clothes. Permethrin, a synthetic insecticide, is also effective, but be warned, it must not be used directly on skin.
Health care professionals stress the importance of checking thoroughly for ticks after being in an area where they are commonly found. Wearing light clothes will make them easier to spot and if a tick is found, tweezers are easiest for removing it.