Lyme Disease Cases Up in Anne Arundel County

The Anne Arundel County Health Department reports an increase in Lyme Disease case over the past 4 years. In 2004 there were 74 confirmed cases of Lyme’s Disease. In 2008 there were 187 confirmed cases of Lyme Disease or an increase of 253 percent over 4 years.

What is Lyme disease? It is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi which is a spirochetes. Spirochetes are bacteria that appear like coiled springs.

Lyme disease is often carried by the Deer Tick, a very small brown tick, often found in wooded areas. Deer ticks can be found on many dogs and cats that are allowed outside. Lyme disease can also infect these pets.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease can occur quickly after being infected. Symptoms include a rash known as Erythema Migrans or EM. This is a circular rash that may begin in 3 – 30 days after infection. It develops a large clear center and is often known as a bullseye rash and can become very large. The rash often occurs at the site of the tick bite but can occur on other parts of the body. Other symptoms include: fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pains and swollen lymph nodes.

If the disease isn’t diagnosed and treated in the early phase other symptoms can develop. These symptoms develop in days to weeks after exposure and may include: Bell’s Palsy (weakness, droopy face on one or rarely on both sides), worsening headaches, stiff neck (Meningitis), heart palpitations, dizziness and pain that moves from joint to joint.

Symptoms that develop after several months of non diagnosis and treatment are usually worse and include: severe pain and swelling especially in the large joints (knees, hips). Up to 5% of those infected with Lyme disease develop severe chronic neurological symptoms months to years after the infection and include shooting pains, numbness or tingling in the hands and / or feet, problems with concentration and short term memory loss.

The treatment for Lyme disease is common oral antibiotics for several weeks. Typical antibiotics include doxycycline, amoxicillin and cefuroxime. Some patients may require treatment with IV antibiotics such as penicillin or ceftriaxone.

The best prevention against Lyme disease is to avoid the ticks which carry the bacteria. If this is impractical or unavoidable the next best thing is to use protective clothing AND tick repellants. Ones ENTIRE body should be checked daily for ticks and removed promptly. If one finds a tick attached to the skin then one should call their primary care physician for additional follow-up.

Lyme Disease Info:

AA County Health Dept: http://www.aahealth.org/a2z.asp?id=61

CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/Lyme/

NIH Chronic Lyme Disease: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/lymeDisease/understanding/chronic.htm

This IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. If you have reason to belive that you have been infected with Lyme disease or have other medical quesions contact your physician.

Filed under: Health Tagged: | Deer Tick, Health Department, Lyme disease, Tick, Ticks