Warmer Spring = More Ticks: How to Prevent Lyme Disease

Lyme disease (named for Lyme, Connecticut where it was first described) is an infection carried by Deer Ticks that can cause a skin rash, as well as serious nerve, heart and brain problems. The infection is most common in late spring or summer and in most people the first sign is a flat or raised skin bump that slowly gets bigger, often with clearing of the rash in the middle, resembling a target. It is diagnosed by recognizing the rash, and/or blood tests. It is not spread from human to human.

According to State of Wisconsin public health officials, a warmer spring can increase tick activity and therefore Lyme disease. If you think you might have Lyme disease you should see your health care provider, but it is sometimes tricky to diagnose and difficult to treat. Therefore, it is important to reduce the chance of tick bites that cause Lyme disease in the first place.

Here is how to prevent Lyme disease (or other infections spread by ticks):

• Avoid areas where there are a lot of ticks if possible
• If you do get a tick on you, remove it as soon as possible by grabbing it with a tweezers as close to the skin as possible and slowly pulling it off (other techniques such as a smoldering match or kerosene might cause the tick to pass along the infection earlier by irritating it)
• Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be more easily seen and removed (the ticks don’t usually pass along the infection until they have been attached for a day or more)
• When in a tick-infested area, use tick repellent and examine yourself daily to look for and remove ticks
• There used to be a vaccine for Lyme, but it was discontinued due to some reports of joint reactions and a low demand