Few pests evoke as many questions from people as ticks. Besides their repulsive appearance, ticks are vectors of potentially debilitating and life-threatening diseases.

Lyme disease, in particular, has attracted national attention and is now the number one arthropod-borne disease in the United States. Lyme disease is a potentially serious bacterial infection, transmitted through the bite of certain species of ticks. The disease affects humans and a wide range of animals including pets and livestock. Lyme disease manifests itself in many ways and if left untreated may progress through several stages. The disease is difficult to diagnose clinically because early symptoms often mimic the flu (i.e., fatigue, headache, stiffness or pain in neck, muscles or joints, fever, or swollen glands). The most definitive early symptom is a gradually expanding circular or oval-shaped red rash. This rash only develops in about 70% of infected individuals, however, and may be overlooked.

Persons who experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms after being bitten by a tick (or having spent time in tick-infested areas), should consult a physician immediately. Lyme disease can be treated successfully in these early stages with antibiotics. As the disease progresses, it becomes more difficult to manage.

To learn more visit the sites below.

Lyme Disease Foundation www.lyme.org
American Lyme Disease Foundation www.aldf.com