Apr 29, 2008
FAMILY MEDICINE
: Beware of hungry ticks
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Without snow covering the ground, here come the ticks. Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) truly prefer to feed on deer blood but when there aren’t any handy, any mammal or bird will do just fine. And spring is the prime time for them to be hungry.
This is particularly bad for us since their bite might transmit nasty infections such as Lyme, and sometimes even Babesia, or Erlichia. As always, prevention is the best course with several avenues to consider. Next, be aware of possible symptoms to act quickly in case of suspected infections. Thirdly, think environmentally and help work towards correcting the underlying problems driving this seasonally accelerating epidemic of tick borne infections.
Deer ticks thrive and reproduce with deer. Scientifically, our first line of prevention includes limiting the deer that magnify this predicament. Personal friends with a fence around their property never have a problem as long as they never leave. For the rest of us, there are landscaping tips such as creating a plant and burrow free border around lawns and play areas that limit hiding places for furry little friends. This can minimize the chances that ticks will make it to the lawn and thereby protect children and pets. Using appropriate insect repellents and dressing like you are on safari may also discourage ticks from making you their meal. A really excellent resource for information and instructions can be found on the Connecticut Agriculture Experimental Station Web site ct.gov/CAES/cwp/view.asp then click on to Tick Management.
As of 2006, 20 to 22% of ticks in Ridgefield and Redding carry Lyme. Now that spring is here, we have potential exposure. In general, a tick borne infection can feel like the flu, with headache, fever, aches, and fatigue, but without respiratory symptoms. Other possible symptoms may include a swollen joint(s), or a Bulls-eye rash. Lyme disease is very complex with lots of other variations from patient to patient. The earlier we intervene, the better.
As a member of the Danbury Hospital Lyme Disease Committee and a frontline agent for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, I know our best defense is a good offense. The Connecticut Agriculture Experimental Station Web site really has incredibly important information to protect property and person. Be proactive to seek care for suspected tick borne illnesses as soon as possible to mitigate possible complications.
And very importantly, work closely with your physician to manage chronic symptoms caused by the damage of an infection.
Dr. David Pazer, double board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics, at Family Medical Associates in Ridgefield is also director of medicine at Wooster School.
© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
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