Lyme Disease is spreading to regions where the disease used to be rare
State News: Kentucky Doctors and Epidemiologists say Rocky Mountain Fever is on the Rise in the State
Lyme disease is a potentially debilitating tick-borne illness Kentucky doctors and epidemiologists say is on the rise in the state in most rare cases.“The state Department of Health and Human Services reported 30 confirmed and 236 probable cases of Lyme disease last year. In 2011, the department says, there were fewer than 100 cases in the state. But the scale and distribution of Lyme disease cases, like many other questions about the illness, are disputed. Critics say DHHS has underestimated the spread of Lyme disease for years.“
A rare case in a young Louisville kid shows that Rocky Mountain sickness is still very deadly disease. From the full local news article in Kentucky click here; Jackson age 2 had swelling in his face that made it difficult for him to open his eyes. He was dehydrated and struggled to eat, and the pain led doctors to consider morphine for the toddler, who turned 2 while in the hospital, according to his mother’s Facebook posts. He also experienced low blood pressure and developed a stress-related heart murmur, among other symptoms and complications.
“Lyme disease/Rocky Mountain Fever is caused by bacteria spread by infected deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks. Deer ticks are small and dark-colored and typically inhabit areas with tall grass, bushes, deep woods and/or fallen leaves. Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease bacteria, however it is important to avoid being bitten and know how to remove a tick.”
Here is how to avoid being bitten by a tick:
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET on skin, and treat clothing with permethrin
- When going to areas where ticks like to live, wear light-colored clothing so ticks will be easier to see
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt tucked into long pants, and tuck long pants into socks
- When hiking, walk on paths
- Check thoroughly for ticks after spending time in tick habitats. Ticks typically attach to warm, moist places on the body.
- Use tweezers and grasp the tick close to your skin
- Pull the tick away from your body slowly and steadily
- Once the tick is removed, disinfect the area
Source: www.wakegov.com/humanservices/publichealth
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