News Excerpt:
A suspected case of Lyme disease caused by the bite of a tick (Black Legged Tick) carrying borrelia (Borrelia Burgdorferi) bacteria has been reported from Koovapady in Ernakulam district.
Lyme Disease:
- Lyme disease is a vector borne infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii.
- Transmission of disease occurs through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks also known as deer ticks.
- Lyme disease was first recognized in the town of Old Lyme, USA, in 1975.
- It is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.
Symptoms:
- Lyme disease can affect various body parts, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system.
- Early symptoms of Lyme disease typically begin 3 to 30 days after infection
- Early symptoms typically consist of fever, headache, fatigue, and the distinctive bull's-eye rash known as erythema migrans.
- If untreated, the infection can spread, leading to more severe symptoms such as joint swelling, neurological issues like facial muscle numbness or paralysis, and heart palpitations.
Treatment:
- Diagnosis involves symptom assessment, physical examination, and possibly laboratory testing.
- Treatment usually consists of a few weeks of antibiotics.
- Prevention methods include insect repellent use, prompt tick removal and pesticide application.
- Covering your legs properly, wearing boots while going to marshy lands.