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Stay Vigilant about Tick-borne Illnesses
Did you know that an infected tick can carry other diseases, not just Lyme? Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis (previously known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis), are all caused by the bite of an infected deer tick. Another rare tick-borne disease, the Powassan virus, has been confirmed in Dutchess County this year for the first times since 1978. The Powassan virus is carried by infected woodchuck ticks. Lyme disease was cited as one of residents top health concerns according to a recent county assessment survey, but many residents are not aware that tick-borne diseases include more than just Lyme disease.
In the next few weeks, the Dutchess County Department of Health will be conducting a randomized community phone survey to ascertain existing knowledge as well as determine the needs of Dutchess County residents relative to tick-borne illnesses. Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH, commissioner of health hopes residents will take a few moments of their time to share their input in the important community outreach effort.
Early detection and treatment is important in order to avoid serious complications with tick borne diseases. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis can be treated with the use of antibiotics, while babesiosis also combines the use of malarial drugs. There is no specific treatment other that hospitalization and supportive care for Powassan disease.
One of the most effective ways to avoid tick-borne diseases is to check your entire body for ticks. If you find a tick attached, proper removal is important. Dr. Caldwell states, “You should use tweezers, grasp the tick near the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible and carefully pull the tick out in a steady, upward motion. After the tick is removed, disinfect the area with soap, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and contact your health care provider.”
A simple way to remember how to protect yourself and your family is to think T.I.C.K.S.:
• TICK CHECKS Doing a simple tick check every time you have been outdoors will greatly reduce your risk of getting bitten by a tick. If you find and remove an attached tick within 36 hours, your risk of acquiring a tick-borne illness is reduced.
• INSECT REPELLENT To deter a tick from ever coming in contact with you, consider using an insect repellent. Apply according to directions and use only the amount necessary. Keep repellents out of the reach of children and do not allow them to apply themselves.
• CLOTHING Wearing light colored clothing when outdoors will help you to see the ticks on you before they come in contact with your skin. Also, tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to make it more difficult for the tick to reach your skin.
• KNOW THE SYMPTOMS Early symptoms can include fatigue, low-grade fever, headache, stiff neck, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), muscle aches, and joint pain. A red expanding rash, sometimes in the shape of a bull’s eye, may also be visible.
• SEE YOUR DOCTOR If you do develop any of those symptoms, it is important to see your health care provider immediately to see if treatment is indicated.
For more information, you can call the Dutchess County Department of Health’s Lyme Disease hotline at 845-486-3407. You can also visit the Dutchess County Department of Health’s website at www.dutchessny.gov. Other resources are: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/arbdet.htm www.health.state.ny.us.
In the next few weeks, the Dutchess County Department of Health will be conducting a randomized community phone survey to ascertain existing knowledge as well as determine the needs of Dutchess County residents relative to tick-borne illnesses. Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH, commissioner of health hopes residents will take a few moments of their time to share their input in the important community outreach effort.
Early detection and treatment is important in order to avoid serious complications with tick borne diseases. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis can be treated with the use of antibiotics, while babesiosis also combines the use of malarial drugs. There is no specific treatment other that hospitalization and supportive care for Powassan disease.
One of the most effective ways to avoid tick-borne diseases is to check your entire body for ticks. If you find a tick attached, proper removal is important. Dr. Caldwell states, “You should use tweezers, grasp the tick near the mouthparts as close to the skin as possible and carefully pull the tick out in a steady, upward motion. After the tick is removed, disinfect the area with soap, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and contact your health care provider.”
A simple way to remember how to protect yourself and your family is to think T.I.C.K.S.:
• TICK CHECKS Doing a simple tick check every time you have been outdoors will greatly reduce your risk of getting bitten by a tick. If you find and remove an attached tick within 36 hours, your risk of acquiring a tick-borne illness is reduced.
• INSECT REPELLENT To deter a tick from ever coming in contact with you, consider using an insect repellent. Apply according to directions and use only the amount necessary. Keep repellents out of the reach of children and do not allow them to apply themselves.
• CLOTHING Wearing light colored clothing when outdoors will help you to see the ticks on you before they come in contact with your skin. Also, tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants to make it more difficult for the tick to reach your skin.
• KNOW THE SYMPTOMS Early symptoms can include fatigue, low-grade fever, headache, stiff neck, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), muscle aches, and joint pain. A red expanding rash, sometimes in the shape of a bull’s eye, may also be visible.
• SEE YOUR DOCTOR If you do develop any of those symptoms, it is important to see your health care provider immediately to see if treatment is indicated.
For more information, you can call the Dutchess County Department of Health’s Lyme Disease hotline at 845-486-3407. You can also visit the Dutchess County Department of Health’s website at www.dutchessny.gov. Other resources are: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/arbor/arbdet.htm www.health.state.ny.us.
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