Lyme Disease - updated for 2004 posted 15-May-04
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria spread when an infected tick bites. A red-ringed bull's eye rash around the bite, swelling of lymph glands, fatigue, headache, joint pain and chills are all symptoms that may develop within a weeks or up to 30 days after a tick bites.

The ticks that spread Lyme disease are most likely to be found in the northeastern and upper midwestern areas of the United States. Those states that report the most Lyme disease are: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

If you have a tick, remove it promptly as transmission of the bacteria that causes Lyme disease from an infected tick is unlikely to occur before 24 hours of tick attachment. Check your pets as well as your children as they may carry the tick indoors where it can then bite humans.

To remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers. Firmly grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick away from the body. Clean the area with antiseptic. Contact your doctor with any concerns, or if you have any symptoms of Lyme disease.

What you can do
-avoid tick habitats, especially shady moist areas with low-lying vegetation in woody, brushy, or overgrown areas
-wear light colored clothing so you can spot the ticks before they bite you
-wear long sleeved clothing and tuck your pants into your socks or boots (high rubber boots can offer added protection)
-use insect repellants that contain DEET and apply them to your clothing and skin (Please read warnings carefully. DEET should not be used on children under 2 years of age).
-do daily tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets. Remove any ticks you find, but don't panic as ticks need at least 24 hours to transmit the disease.
-check with state and local health departments, park personnel, and agricultural extension services for the extent of Lyme disease in your area.

More Information
CDC web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/diagnosis.htm
Full HFHE article: http://healthyfamiliesnow.org/article/lyme.php
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/lyme.html

Recent News on Lyme Disease
http://www.bend.com/news/ar_view%5E3Far_id%5E3D15490.htm
http://www.news8austin.com/content/headlines/?ArID=107130&SecID=2
http://www.channel3000.com/health/3299299/detail.html