LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. Many people are unaware that they have been bitten because immature ticks (called nymphs) are less than 2 mm long. Adult ticks are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before they have had time to transmit the bacteria.
Blacklegged ticks can be active throughout much of the year; however, risk of a tick bite is highest during the spring and summer months when people are participating in outdoor activities, such as gardening, golfing, hiking or camping. Contact occurs when people brush up against the vegetation found in forests and overgrown areas
Transmission of Lyme disease typically takes 24- hours, so timely removal of a tick from your skin can help prevent this disease. Other measures to help keep ticks off your skin by include
- wearing long sleeves, long pants, and long socks
- using an insect repellant that contains at least 20% DEET
- staying clear of tall vegetation and check your body for ticks
- Shower or bathe within two hours of being outdoors to wash away loose ticks
- Tumble drying your clothes on high heat
- Doing a daily “full body” check for ticks on yourself, children and pets