TICK-BORNE DISEASES (Eastern Long Island)

Lyme Disease
A bacterial infection caused by an infectious tick bite. (Studies show that approximately 50% of ticks on Eastern Long Island are infected.) Early Stages: The first symptoms include a "bulls eye" like rash for about 60% of Lyme Disease cases. Other symptoms include chills, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. Later Stages: If left untreated Lyme Disease can lead to serious medical complications such as arthritis, heart and nervous system disorders, Bells palsy, miscarriages, stillborn births, meningitis, numbness and pain, etc. See a physician immediately if you have been bitten or develop any symptoms.

Babesiosis
A malaria like illness caused by an infectious tick bite. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, followed fever, drenching sweats, muscle pain and headaches. Symptoms begin about a week after infection. See a physician immediately if you have been bitten by a tick or develop any symptoms. Babesiosis can be fatal.

Ehrlichiosis (HGE)
It's symptoms range from headaches, muscle aches and malaise to high fever. When left untreated it can affect the central nervous system, resulting in delirium, mental changes and even death. See a physician immediately if you have been bitten or develop any symptoms.

What is a Tick?
A tick is an Arachnid, which means it is not an insect, but related to spiders. Ticks are active whenever the temperature is above 40 degrees and are rarely found over 18 inches above the ground. Ticks do not jump, fly or descend from trees. Tick bites do not hurt, and if you are bitten you probably won't feel it. That is why it is very important to check for ticks frequently during and after enjoying outdoor activities. The sooner you find a tick and remove it the less likely you will be infected.

Removing Imbedded Ticks
When you find an imbedded tick, carefully grasp it with fine tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull outward gently but firmly. Do not use your fingers or cover the tick in petroleum jelly, nail polish, etc. This might cause the tick to inject infectious bacteria into you. Save the tick in a jar and bring it to your doctor if symptoms occur. Treat the bite site with a topical ointment such as bacitracin.