Let's be honest. Lyme disease is scary. In its early stage, it can produce flu-like symptoms such as chills, fevers, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. None of these are fun to have. But where this disease gets really scary is in later stages. If Lyme disease goes untreated or misdiagnosed, it can lead to lifelong illness. This is a disease that attacks the nervous system and the brain. It can produce erythema migraines, neurological issues, joint pain, and other chronic body and headaches. It is even known to complicate heart disease in later years. Definitely not an illness anyone wants to get. But sadly, this relatively new disease is an issue for humans and pets throughout our extensive service area of Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, so we have to talk about it.
This is a scary disease, and it can be a nightmare for you or your pet if you contract it. But here are 6 reasons to worry less about Lyme disease:
- You don't have to worry about every tick. Only black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, are known to carry this disease. So, if you find a tick on you, it may not be a tick that is able to spread Lyme disease.
- That black-legged tick on you may not even have the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. While black-legged ticks can carry this disease, they don't all have it. That should give you a little relief.
- Not everyone who contracts Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, get the disease.
- If treated early, Lyme disease can be cured with proper antibiotics.
- A tick has to be on you for 24 to 48 hour in order to spread this illness to you.
- While the first 5 points are definitely great news, the truth is, there are a ton of deer ticks in New England, and Lyme disease is a serious problem. So, this last point is the most important point of all. There are things you can do to prevent tick bites. Wear insect repellent with DEET or Permethrin on your skin or clothing. Don't sit, or walk through, grass, especially tall grass. Do regular inspections for ticks when you come in from outside. Check your pets and your children for ticks as well. Consider tucking your pants into your socks when you go into grassy or bushy areas. And get tick services for your backyard.
Lyme disease is scary. But, with proper precautions and ongoing pest control for your property, you can significantly reduce the risk. With any tick bite or concern please contact your medical provider for assurance of the proper procedure in removal and after-bite concerns. Here at Big Blue Bug we want you to know the whole story.