Newsgroups: rec.backcountry
\nFrom: eugene@amelia.nas.nasa.gov (Eugene N. Miya)
\nSubject: [l\/m 3\/23\/92] Lyme Disease: Distilled Wisdom (19\/28)\tXYZ
\nOrganization: NAS Program, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
\nDate: Tue, 19 Jan 93 12:20:11 GMT
\nMessage-ID:
\nReply-To: dmiller@rodan.acs.syr.edu
\nLines: 292<\/p>\n
Reply-To: dmiller@rodan.acs.syr.edu “Daniel Miller”<\/p>\n
TICKS, LYME DISEASE, and YOU<\/p>\n
LYME DISEASE<\/p>\n
Lyme disease is an illness caused by the spirochete bacteria, _Borellia
\nburdorferi_, which are transmitted to man and animals by tick bites. Although
\nnot all ticks carry the disease, in some areas as many as 90% of the ticks can
\nbe infected. The disease gets its name from the town of Lyme, Connecticut,
\nwhere it was first described in 1975. Many feel if it were not for AIDS, Lyme
\ndisease would be the number one infectious disease threat in the United States
\ntoday.<\/p>\n
There were an estimated 3200 reported cases of Lyme disease in New York
\nState in 1989 and an estimated 7000 reported cases nationally. To date 45
\nstates have reported cases. The states of New York, Massachussetts,
\nConnecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey account for the majority of cases.
\nCases from other parts of the country have increased significantly during
\n1989. It is estimated that as many as 50,000 cases have gone unreported or
\nundiagnosed.<\/p>\n
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT<\/p>\n
In about 60% of the cases, a characteristic rash or lesion called
\nerythema migrans develops. It begins a few days to a few weeks after the bite
\nof an infected tick. The rash generally looks like an expanding red ring with
\na clear center, but can vary from a reddish blotchy appearance to red
\nthroughout. Sometimes there are two or more lesions. Unfortunately, in those
\npatients who never get a rash, the dignosis can be difficult. At about the
\nsame time that the rash develops, flu-like symptoms may appear along with
\nheadache, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches and general malaise. <\/p>\n
The later complications of Lyme disease are quite severe. Most common
\nis arthritis, usually of the large joints (e.g., knees, hips, shoulders).
\nOther complications include meningitis and other neurological problems such as
\nnumbness, tingling and burning sensations in the extremities, severe pain,
\nloss of concentration, memory loss, confusion, loss of confidence, withdrawal,
\ndepression, fatigue, (often extreme and incapacitating), and Bell’s palsey
\n(loss of control of one side of the face). Cardiac symptoms include heart
\npalpitations and irregular heart beat. Shortness of breath, dry mouth, voice
\nchanges, and difficulty swallowing can occur. Eye symptoms include
\nconjuctivitis, double vision, and loss of vision. Remember, some patients do
\nnot get the rash and progress directly to these later symptoms. Symptoms,
\nincluding pain are intermittant and changing, occuring in any combination and
\nlasting from a few days to several months and possibly years.<\/p>\n
It is important to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms
\nappear, especially after being bitten by a tick or visiting an area where Lyme
\ndisease is common. Timely treatment with antibiotics (within a few days of
\nsymptoms appearing) will increase chances of recovery and may lessen the
\nseverity of any later symptoms. If ignored, the early symptoms may disappear,
\nbut more serious problems can develop months to years later. Chronic Lyme
\ndisease, because of its diverse symptoms, is particularly difficult to
\ndiagnose. Treatment for later stages is more difficult and is often less
\nsuccessful, sometimes requiring several months of intravenous antibiotic
\ntherapy.<\/p>\n
THE DEER TICK<\/p>\n
_Ixodes dammini_ is responsible for most of the cases of Lyme disease in
\nthe northeastern and northcentral United States. These ticks are found in
\ngrassy areas (including lawns), and shrubby and woodland habitats, even on
\nwarm winter days. The adult ticks (about the size of a sesame seed) feed
\nmostly on white-tailed deer but will also attack other mammals including man.
\nIf infected, they can transmit the Lyme disease spirochete to their hosts.
\nAfter engorging, adult female ticks drop to the ground to lay several thousand
\neggs. The larvae hatch from the eggs and seek hosts, often the white-footed
\nmouse, from July through September. The larvae are very small and difficult
\nto spot.<\/p>\n
Some of the larvae acquire the Lyme disease spirochete while feeding on
\ninfected hosts. After engorging, the larvae molt into nymphs, which seekhosts
\nto feed on from April to September. Both the larvaland nymphal stages attach
\nto a variety of small mammals, white-footed mice being the main reservoir of
\nth Lyme disease spirochete. Nymphs that were infected as larvae can now
\ntransmit spirochetes to their new host. In fact, it is the nymphal stage that
\nappearsto be responsible for nearly 90% of the Lyme disease cases in people.
\nThis stage is also very small (about the size of a poppy seed). Their bite is
\npainless so most people do not know they have been bitten. The nymphs molt
\ninto adult ticks and the process starts all over. The entire life cycle
\nrequires three separate hosts and takes about two years to complete.<\/p>\n
Spread primarily by wildlife, infected ticks have been found on 29
\nspecies of mammals including deer, mice, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels,
\nraccoons, opossum, and fox. Infected ticks have also been found on over 49
\ndifferent species of birds. Indeed, birds may be the primary means by which
\nthe ticks are spread from one area to another. The tick prefers deer for
\nreproduction, but will utilize other animals when few deer are present.<\/p>\n
The lone star tick, a common southern species, as well as several other
\n_Ixodes_ ticks can transmit the disease.<\/p>\n
LYME DISEASE IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS<\/p>\n
Lyme disease has been diagnosed in dogs, cats, horses, and cows.
\nSymptoms include loss of appetite, soreness, and lameness, often with fever
\n(102.5 to 106 degrees F), swollen glands, and joints. Heart, kidney, liver,
\neye and nervous system problems can develop. Laminitis is reported in horses
\nand cows, as are poor fertility, abortions, and chronic weight loss.
\nTemperament changes have been reported in dogs and horses. Untreated animals
\ncan develop chronic progressive arthritis.<\/p>\n
If you travel into tick infested areas with your animals, it is possible
\nto bring ticks home on the animals that will infest your premises. If animals
\nin your area develop Lyme disease it should alert you that you are also at
\nrisk.<\/p>\n
WHERE TO FIND TICKS ON ANIMALS<\/p>\n
Ticks are most commonly found on the front parts (head, neck, chest),
\nbetween the toes, on or in the ears, and inside the front and back legs where
\nthe leg meets the body (armpit or groin areas). Because the ticks are so
\nsmall, you must look very carefully. Remove any ticks found and save for
\nidentification.<\/p>\n
TICK CONTROL ON ANIMALS<\/p>\n
To protect animals from infection and to keep them from bringing ticks
\nhome requires regular use of tick repellent and control products plus daily
\nexamination for ticks.<\/p>\n
Veterinary assistance is important in selecting safe tick control
\nproducts and designing a control program.<\/p>\n
HOW TO AVOID TICK BITES<\/p>\n
When out of doors several precautions can minimize your chancesd of
\nbeing bitten.<\/p>\n
– Tuck your pants leg into your socks and your shirt into your pants. The
\nticks grab onto feet and legs and then climb up. This precaution will help
\nkeep them outside you clothes where they can be picked off.<\/p>\n
-Wear light colored clothing. Dark ticks are more easily spotted against a
\nlight background.<\/p>\n
-Inspect clothes often for ticks. Have a companion inspect your back.<\/p>\n
– Apply repellents according to label instructions. Applying directly to
\nclothing appears to be most effective.<\/p>\n
– Inspect you body thoroughly when you get in from the field. Especially
\ncheck groin, navel, armpits, head and behind knees and ears. Have a companion
\ninspect your back, or use a mirror. <\/p>\n
– Inspect children at least once daily for ticks. When in heavily infested
\nareas inspect children every three to fou hours.<\/p>\n
– When hiking stay in the middle of trails. Do not bushwhack.<\/p>\n
– When working outdoors do not wear work clothes home. Wash work clothes
\noften or put them in the dryer to kill any ticks on them by drying.<\/p>\n
WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN BY A TICK<\/p>\n
Remove the tick as soon as possible. The easiest method is to grasp the
\ntick with fine tweezers, as near the skin as you can, and gently pull straight
\nout. Since the Lyme bacteria is injected ny the tick when it bites, you nust
\nbe careful not to squeeze the tick when removing it whcih could result in more
\nbacteria being injected. Do NOT attempt to remove with lighted cigarettes,
\nmatches, nail polish, or vaseline.<\/p>\n
Once removed put the tick in a small jar containing alcohol (rubbing
\nalcohol will do) and save for identification. Idenification becomes very
\nimportant if you develop disease symptoms.<\/p>\n
IDENTIFICATION OF TICKS<\/p>\n
In most areas, ticks can be submitted for identification through local
\nor state health department offices. Many physicians and veterinarians will
\nalso submit ticks.<\/p>\n
When submitting a tick put it in a tightly closed container with a small
\namount of alcohol. Mark it with your name, address, and phone number, date
\ncollected, host collected from (animal or man) and recent travel history.<\/p>\n
NOTES<\/p>\n
_Lyme disease and pregnancy_: Miscarriage, premature births, and still births
\nhave been reported. Transplacental infection of the fetus has occured.
\nTransmission through breast milk is thought to occur. Any women suspecting
\nexposure must tell her obstetrician and later, her pediatrician.<\/p>\n
_Blood tests_: may be helpful as an aid in diagnosis but are not always
\nreliable. It is possible to have a negative test during the course of the
\ndisease or following antibiotic therapy and still have active disease. The
\ndiagnosis of Lyme disease must generally be made on the basis of clinicalsigns
\nand by ruling out other possible diseases. A negative test following
\ntreatment does not indicat cure.<\/p>\n
IF UNDIAGNOSED, LYME DISEASE CAN BE EXTREMELY DEVASTATING PHYSICALLY,
\nMENTALLY, AND FINANCIALLY.<\/p>\n
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION<\/p>\n
Lyme Borreliosis Foundation, Inc.
\n National Headquarters
\n P.O. Box 462
\n Tolland, CT 06084
\n (203) 871-2900<\/p>\n
State and local health departments in some cases can direct you to sources of
\ninformation and help.<\/p>\n
—————————————————————————<\/p>\n
Brochure design and information after a brochure entitled “Ticks and Lyme
\nDisease” done for the National Park Service by Howard S. Ginsberg, Jorge
\nBenach and Edward M. Bossler.<\/p>\n
Revised, updated, and new information added By:
\nLloyd E. Miller, DVM, Troy, NY, March 1990<\/p>\n
===========================================================================<\/p>\n
If you have any stories of difficult diagnosis, or other stories about Lyme
\ndisease you wish to relate (including sources of mis-information) please e-
\nmail them to djm8_ltd@uhura.cc.rochester.edu. We have been maintaining a base
\nof such information and all additions are welcome.<\/p>\n
Well, go on out and enjoy the Great Outdoors, but be careful….
\nand have a nice day \ud83d\ude42 \ud83d\ude42 :-)Subject: Lyme Disease Information<\/p>\n
Thanks to all who responded to my previous post. The fact that so
\nmany are interested in learning more about this disease is encouraging.
\nAs my original posting has probably expired, and I have a few email
\naddresses bounce back to me I am now posting the brochure here ( I
\nwas holding out so as to get a feel for how many were interested and
\nthe geographic distribution)..<\/p>\n
If you have any encounters with Lyme disease that you would like to
\nrelate, please email me at dmiller@rodan.acs.syr.edu. This will
\nbe passed on to my father, who is compiling such stories. Further
\nquestions may also be addressed to me, and I will do my best to
\nanswer them.<\/p>\n
-moose \tIf the thunder don’t get you
\ndmiller@rodan.acs.syr.edu\t\tthen the lightning will…<\/p>\n
Reference:
\nMedicine for Mountaineering.<\/p>\n
From: pjanke@indy.cray.com (Paul Janke)<\/p>\n
The best way I have found to dispose of a tick once extracted
\nis to take about 1\/2 inch of scotch tape, stick the tick to it,
\nand fold, thereby entombing the tick in a transparent medium.
\nThe tick will cease to be a problem and will obviously suffocate.<\/p>\n
Although alcohol makes for a better preservative, the average
\nperson has easier access to good old scotch tape. Most of the
\ntime I use this method on plain old wood ticks(its alot cleaner
\nthan torching them,etc.) but also use it on the much smaller deer
\nticks. I probably tape 100+ ticks\/year including the ones from
\nmy dog. Species level identification of entombed tick is no problem.<\/p>\n
\tNational Lyme Community Research Initiative
\n\t17 Monroe Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301
\n\t(718) 273-3740<\/p>\n
TABLE OF CONTENTS of this chain:<\/p>\n
19\/ Lyme disease, frequently ask, under question
\n20\/ “Telling questions” backcountry Turing test (under construction)
\n21\/ AMS
\n22\/ Words from Foreman and Hayduke
\n23\/ A bit of song (like camp songs)
\n24\/ What is natural?
\n25\/ A romantic notion of high-tech employment
\n26\/ Other news groups of related interest, networking
\n27\/ Films\/cinema references
\n28\/ References (written)
\n1\/ DISCLAIMER
\n2\/ Ethics
\n3\/ Learning I
\n4\/ learning II (lists, “Ten Essentials,” Chouinard comments)
\n5\/ Summary of past topics
\n6\/ Non-wisdom: fire-arms topic circular discussion
\n7\/ Phone \/ address lists
\n8\/ Fletcher’s Law of Inverse Appreciation and advice
\n9\/ Water Filter wisdom
\n10\/ Words from Rachel Carson
\n11\/ Snake bite
\n12\/ Netiquette
\n13\/ Questions on conditions and travel
\n14\/ Dedication to Aldo Leopold
\n15\/ Leopold’s lot.
\n16\/ Morbid backcountry
\n17\/ Information about bears
\n18\/ Poison ivy, frequently ask, under question<\/p>\n
