Calaveras County Public Health Press Release re:prevent lyme disease

Prevent Lyme Disease

The Calaveras County Public Health Department is alerting residents and visitors that winter months are a time when ticks are present.  Some ticks carry Lyme disease.  “Whether you are outdoors working or enjoying recreational activities, be aware that ticks are present and you need to prevent tick bites,” stated Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer.  Often we think about ticks in the warmer months but some types of ticks are active in the winter when temperatures are above freezing.  “Our unseasonably warm winter weather means ticks are more actively searching for a host to feed upon,” continued Dr. Kelaita.

There are different kinds of ticks.  Only the western black-legged tick or deer tick can transmit Lyme disease.  It is a reddish-brown tick and common in most California

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counties including the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.  Ticks attach to an animal or person and feed on their blood.  Ticks infected with Lyme disease or other tick diseases can transmit the disease to the animal or person while feeding on their blood.  Both nymphs (immature ticks) and adult female ticks can transmit disease.  Nymphs are very tiny, about the size of a poppy seed.  They are found in cool moist areas or under leaves.  Adult ticks are found most often on the tips of grasses or shrubs, especially near trails.

The symptoms of Lyme disease can be different for each person.  Symptoms may come and go.  The early symptoms may start days to weeks after being infected.  Symptoms may include:

·         Expanding, bulls eye rash 1-30 days after a tick bite

·         Flu-like symptoms – muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, chills or fever

If a person has any of these symptoms after finding a nymph or tick attached to their skin or being in an area known to have ticks, they should call their doctor or clinic as soon as possible.  “Getting treatment with antibiotics as soon as possible makes recovery faster,” stated Dr. Kelaita.

If a tick is found on a person, use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skin as possible.  If fingers are used, protect them with tissue or a plastic bag.  Pull the tick straight out, using a firm, steady motion.  Do not twist, smother or burn an attached tick for removal.  Do not squash an attached tick.  Wash your hands and the site with soap and water after the tick is removed.

To prevent tick bites:

·         Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.  Tuck pant legs into boots or socks and shirts into pants.

·         Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be easily seen.

·         Apply tick repellent to clothing.  Use products with DEET on skin or clothing.  Follow directions.

·         Stay on trails.  Avoid contact with bushes or grasses alongside the trails.

For more information, call the Public Health Department at 754-6460 or visit our website at www.calaveraspublichealth.com.