While I was out in the woods last week I came across some ticks.
As many of you have probably experienced a tick or two in the past I'm sure you'll sympathise - they aren't that much bother, but can still be an irritation. because of past encouters I always carry a tick remover in my first aid kit. The best I have found is the O'Tom tick remover which can be had for a couple of pounds.
This time though I wasn't head-charged by one or two. I think I must have sat on a moulting site. in all I removed over 40 ticks - twelve of which had got quite comfortable head-down in my skin. Apart from two days of twitching at the slightest itch I seem to have cleared them all out, but it did prompt me to look a bit more at their life cycle and Lyme disease in particular.
I thought I'd share some of the information I have dug up as it may be of interest to others in the future. (credits and links at the end)
Introduction
You and your dog may be at risk from Lyme Disease when you visit the countryside. Lyme Disease is a relatively uncommon infection (in the UK,) but it has recently started to occur more frequently. It is caused by a bacterium carried by ticks. People who walk in the countryside, especially those walking through grass, rough vegetation or wild areas such as heathland, are more at risk. Here are some simple precautions which you should take when you visit the countryside.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness which can affect the skin and in some patients the nervous system, joints or heart. It is caused by a spiral shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Man and other animals can be infected with the organism but not everyone develops symptoms.
Lyme disease was so named because a cluster of cases of arthritis was observed in children in Lyme, Connecticut in the USA in 1975. This was originally thought to be due to rheumatoid arthritis but subsequent investigation showed the condition to be an infectious disease. However, this is not a new disease; it had been known in Europe under a variety of names since the beginning of the 20th century. Lyme disease is common in the United States and Scandinavia. Other countries in Western and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Japan, China, and Australia have all reported cases. It is not a common illness in the UK, with less than 200 cases per year being reported in England and Wales in recent years. There is no evidence that the disease is increasing in the UK but recently it has become more frequently recognised because awareness of it has increased in the general public and the medical profession, and blood tests which can help in diagnosis are now available.
The highest risk was thought to be from April to October when the tick was most active and feeding, but research has now shown that, in certain areas, ticks may be active most of the year.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. The ticks cling to ends of vegetation and wave their legs around hoping to latch on to a passing animal or person - so your first defence is to keep your skin covered.
If a tick attaches itself to your clothing, it may crawl around for some time before making contact with your skin.
Light coloured clothes will help you spot ticks and brush them off.
Ticks are usually most active and seek feeds in the spring, summer and early autumn
Not every tick is infected with the Lyme disease bacterium
Not every bite from an infected tick will transmit the bacterium. An infected tick will not usually pass on B. burgdorferi unless it has been attached to the host for more than24 hours
Simple common sense measures can further reduce the very small risk of becoming infected:
Wear long trousers, preferably tucked into your socks or boots, and long-sleeved shirts with cuffs fastened if walking in grassy, bushy or woodland areas where the habitat is suitable for ticks. Wear shoes or boots rather than open-toed sandals. Insect repellent can be used on clothes if desired, or on limbs if it is not practicable to cover up.
It is sensible to inspect skin and clothing for ticks every three to four hours, especially if you are likely to be in a tick habitat for a prolonged period. Make sure that children's skin and clothes are properly checked.
Remove a tick as soon as possible after being bitten, grasping it as close to your skin as possible. Take care to remove it entirely using gentle but firm pressure; as the head can break off and be left behind with the mouth parts still embedded in the skin, thus also risking ordinary skin infections. You may find that a tick will become detached more easily if it is covered with petroleum jelly for 10-15 minutes before attempting removal. Do not use the frequently recommended method of burning the tick with a match or lighted cigarette.
It is not recommended that antibiotics are given to prevent the transmission of Lyme disease following a tick bite. Only if the area becomes inflamed may treatment be required; see your doctor for advice.
Check your pets for ticks as they are also at risk of infection. Tick repellent sprays or collars may also help.
See your doctor if you develop a rash or become unwell with other symptoms. Let your doctor know if you have been exposed to ticks
What if I am bitten?
Remove the tick as soon as possible by grasping it close to the skin with tweezers. Apply gentle pressure, twisting anti-clockwise upwards, repeating if necessary. Part of the tick may remain embedded, but you will have prevented the tick transferring the infection to you. (Save the tick in a sealed container in case you develop symptoms later.)
Should I see my Doctor?The disease may first show itself as an expanding reddish, round rash (erythema migrans) in the area of the bite. This rash starts three to thirty days later.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
Early symptoms may resemble influenza ('flu,) with swollen glands near the site, mild headaches, aching muscles and joints, and tiredness
Many infected people have no symptoms at all. Some patients develop a reddish-pink rash called erythema migrans, which spreads out from the site of a bite after three to thirty days. Patients may be feverish and have some enlargement of the lymph glands near to the site of the rash. They may also complain of aches and pains and feel very tired. The rash may spread to cover quite a large area of skin but it will gradually clear starting from the centre outwards, even if not treated with antibiotics. The rash usually fades after three to four weeks, although in some patients it may last much longer. Treatment shortens the duration of the rash, and should prevent later complications.
Much less frequently there may be nervous system complications such as facial palsy, which is a weakness or paralysis of muscles on one or both sides of the face. Other neurologic problems include mild meningitis, abnormal sensations on the skin (described by some patients as feeling like sunburn), and numbness, weakness or pains in different parts of the body. These complications may occur months or even years after the bite of an infected tick and some patients with these and other complications do not remember having been bitten or having had an erythema migrans rash earlier.
Lyme disease can occasionally trigger an arthritis which in most affected people will settle down after treatment, but sometimes it may be more prolonged and may recur at intervals. Lyme arthritis occurs more frequently in North America than in Europe and differences in the incidence of arthritis may be due to a genetic predisposition to arthritis in these patients. An abnormality of heart-beat rhythm may occur within a few weeks of the bite, but this is uncommon and responds well to treatment. Other complications are rare.
If you have any of these symptoms and you suspect that you may have been bitten by a tick, inform your doctor. Lyme Disease is treatable with antibiotics and the earlier it is diagnosed, the better.
LIFE CYCLE OF THE TICK
The tick (Ixodes ricinus) is a tiny spider-like creature whose appearance changes with the different stages of its life cycle. The cycle includes three feeding sessions, usually over a three year period. However, in some areas, mild winters and cool summers can modify what is described here.
Year OneFemales deposit several thousand fertilised eggs in soil crevices. By the summer, the eggs have hatched in larvae, which remain inactive in the shelter of leaf litter until the following spring. It has been shown that ticks may be brought into the home and lay eggs. Regular vacuum cleaning should remove them.
Year TwoIn the spring, the larvae become active, climb up vegetation and wait to attach themselves to their host, usually a small mammal such as a field mouse or vole, for a blood meal. After the feed, the larvae fall to the ground, moult into the nymph stage and remain inactive until the following spring.
Year Three
In the spring, the nymphs become active again and have a blood meal. This may be on a mouse/vole or a larger animal such as a rabbit or hare. After the feed, the nymph falls to the ground to mature into the adult stage. Adults emerging in the Autumn or, more usually, the following spring, climb up the vegetation and attach and feed on a passing host (commonly a deer, but also sheep, horses or dogs.) Mating may then take place on the host; the male dies and the female drops off. The female then lays her eggs to complete the life cycle.
Infection of the tick takes place during one of the blood meals, at which, the tick may acquire or transmit the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi (the cause of Lyme Disease) to the host animal .
Lyme Disease is usually transmitted to humans by infected nymphs (during year three of their life cycle,) when they bite people. In the nymph stage, the ticks are quite small and will not be felt on the skin. Lyme Disease can also be transmitted by infected adult ticks to human beings when they emerge looking for larger hosts. As the tick feeds, it swells with the blood of the host and becomes more obvious on the skin.
Habitat of Ticks
Ticks are found where there is a combination of the following:
dead vegetation or leaf litter
passing host animals
Many parts of the U.K. are potential tick habitats. Recently, it has been found that ticks from many of these areas carry the infection.
A REVIEW OF LYME DISEASE
Prevention in Risk Areas
Keep skin covered and, where possible, avoid brushing against vegetation.
Inspect clothing and body regularly when you spend time in the countryside.
Remember, dogs and cats may be bitten and infected. If your dog or cat becomes noticeably lethargic and you are concerned about Lyme Disease, seek Veterinary advice promptly.
Removal
Do not panic, but remove the tick as soon as possible.
They will crawl about before biting.
An infected tick will not usually pass on the infection until it is fully engorged with blood.
Not every tick carries Lyme Disease.
Not every bite will transmit the disease, even if the tick is infected and not removed.
Check your pets for ticks and remove them.
Seek Medical Help
Infection is unlikely unless the tick is attached for more than 24 hours. If a rash or 'flu-like illness develops after you have been exposed to ticks, or the site becomes infected, seek medical advice promptly.
If anyone has anything to add to this please feel free.
Information taken and collated from:
http://www.wadhurst.demon.co.uk/lyme/lyme3.htm
http://www.amm.co.uk/newamm/files/factsabout/fa_lyme.htm
As many of you have probably experienced a tick or two in the past I'm sure you'll sympathise - they aren't that much bother, but can still be an irritation. because of past encouters I always carry a tick remover in my first aid kit. The best I have found is the O'Tom tick remover which can be had for a couple of pounds.
This time though I wasn't head-charged by one or two. I think I must have sat on a moulting site. in all I removed over 40 ticks - twelve of which had got quite comfortable head-down in my skin. Apart from two days of twitching at the slightest itch I seem to have cleared them all out, but it did prompt me to look a bit more at their life cycle and Lyme disease in particular.
I thought I'd share some of the information I have dug up as it may be of interest to others in the future. (credits and links at the end)
Introduction
You and your dog may be at risk from Lyme Disease when you visit the countryside. Lyme Disease is a relatively uncommon infection (in the UK,) but it has recently started to occur more frequently. It is caused by a bacterium carried by ticks. People who walk in the countryside, especially those walking through grass, rough vegetation or wild areas such as heathland, are more at risk. Here are some simple precautions which you should take when you visit the countryside.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness which can affect the skin and in some patients the nervous system, joints or heart. It is caused by a spiral shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. Man and other animals can be infected with the organism but not everyone develops symptoms.
Lyme disease was so named because a cluster of cases of arthritis was observed in children in Lyme, Connecticut in the USA in 1975. This was originally thought to be due to rheumatoid arthritis but subsequent investigation showed the condition to be an infectious disease. However, this is not a new disease; it had been known in Europe under a variety of names since the beginning of the 20th century. Lyme disease is common in the United States and Scandinavia. Other countries in Western and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Japan, China, and Australia have all reported cases. It is not a common illness in the UK, with less than 200 cases per year being reported in England and Wales in recent years. There is no evidence that the disease is increasing in the UK but recently it has become more frequently recognised because awareness of it has increased in the general public and the medical profession, and blood tests which can help in diagnosis are now available.
The highest risk was thought to be from April to October when the tick was most active and feeding, but research has now shown that, in certain areas, ticks may be active most of the year.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. The ticks cling to ends of vegetation and wave their legs around hoping to latch on to a passing animal or person - so your first defence is to keep your skin covered.
If a tick attaches itself to your clothing, it may crawl around for some time before making contact with your skin.
Light coloured clothes will help you spot ticks and brush them off.
Ticks are usually most active and seek feeds in the spring, summer and early autumn
Not every tick is infected with the Lyme disease bacterium
Not every bite from an infected tick will transmit the bacterium. An infected tick will not usually pass on B. burgdorferi unless it has been attached to the host for more than24 hours
Simple common sense measures can further reduce the very small risk of becoming infected:
Wear long trousers, preferably tucked into your socks or boots, and long-sleeved shirts with cuffs fastened if walking in grassy, bushy or woodland areas where the habitat is suitable for ticks. Wear shoes or boots rather than open-toed sandals. Insect repellent can be used on clothes if desired, or on limbs if it is not practicable to cover up.
It is sensible to inspect skin and clothing for ticks every three to four hours, especially if you are likely to be in a tick habitat for a prolonged period. Make sure that children's skin and clothes are properly checked.
Remove a tick as soon as possible after being bitten, grasping it as close to your skin as possible. Take care to remove it entirely using gentle but firm pressure; as the head can break off and be left behind with the mouth parts still embedded in the skin, thus also risking ordinary skin infections. You may find that a tick will become detached more easily if it is covered with petroleum jelly for 10-15 minutes before attempting removal. Do not use the frequently recommended method of burning the tick with a match or lighted cigarette.
It is not recommended that antibiotics are given to prevent the transmission of Lyme disease following a tick bite. Only if the area becomes inflamed may treatment be required; see your doctor for advice.
Check your pets for ticks as they are also at risk of infection. Tick repellent sprays or collars may also help.
See your doctor if you develop a rash or become unwell with other symptoms. Let your doctor know if you have been exposed to ticks
What if I am bitten?
Remove the tick as soon as possible by grasping it close to the skin with tweezers. Apply gentle pressure, twisting anti-clockwise upwards, repeating if necessary. Part of the tick may remain embedded, but you will have prevented the tick transferring the infection to you. (Save the tick in a sealed container in case you develop symptoms later.)
Should I see my Doctor?The disease may first show itself as an expanding reddish, round rash (erythema migrans) in the area of the bite. This rash starts three to thirty days later.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
Early symptoms may resemble influenza ('flu,) with swollen glands near the site, mild headaches, aching muscles and joints, and tiredness
Many infected people have no symptoms at all. Some patients develop a reddish-pink rash called erythema migrans, which spreads out from the site of a bite after three to thirty days. Patients may be feverish and have some enlargement of the lymph glands near to the site of the rash. They may also complain of aches and pains and feel very tired. The rash may spread to cover quite a large area of skin but it will gradually clear starting from the centre outwards, even if not treated with antibiotics. The rash usually fades after three to four weeks, although in some patients it may last much longer. Treatment shortens the duration of the rash, and should prevent later complications.
Much less frequently there may be nervous system complications such as facial palsy, which is a weakness or paralysis of muscles on one or both sides of the face. Other neurologic problems include mild meningitis, abnormal sensations on the skin (described by some patients as feeling like sunburn), and numbness, weakness or pains in different parts of the body. These complications may occur months or even years after the bite of an infected tick and some patients with these and other complications do not remember having been bitten or having had an erythema migrans rash earlier.
Lyme disease can occasionally trigger an arthritis which in most affected people will settle down after treatment, but sometimes it may be more prolonged and may recur at intervals. Lyme arthritis occurs more frequently in North America than in Europe and differences in the incidence of arthritis may be due to a genetic predisposition to arthritis in these patients. An abnormality of heart-beat rhythm may occur within a few weeks of the bite, but this is uncommon and responds well to treatment. Other complications are rare.
If you have any of these symptoms and you suspect that you may have been bitten by a tick, inform your doctor. Lyme Disease is treatable with antibiotics and the earlier it is diagnosed, the better.
LIFE CYCLE OF THE TICK
The tick (Ixodes ricinus) is a tiny spider-like creature whose appearance changes with the different stages of its life cycle. The cycle includes three feeding sessions, usually over a three year period. However, in some areas, mild winters and cool summers can modify what is described here.
Year OneFemales deposit several thousand fertilised eggs in soil crevices. By the summer, the eggs have hatched in larvae, which remain inactive in the shelter of leaf litter until the following spring. It has been shown that ticks may be brought into the home and lay eggs. Regular vacuum cleaning should remove them.
Year TwoIn the spring, the larvae become active, climb up vegetation and wait to attach themselves to their host, usually a small mammal such as a field mouse or vole, for a blood meal. After the feed, the larvae fall to the ground, moult into the nymph stage and remain inactive until the following spring.
Year Three
In the spring, the nymphs become active again and have a blood meal. This may be on a mouse/vole or a larger animal such as a rabbit or hare. After the feed, the nymph falls to the ground to mature into the adult stage. Adults emerging in the Autumn or, more usually, the following spring, climb up the vegetation and attach and feed on a passing host (commonly a deer, but also sheep, horses or dogs.) Mating may then take place on the host; the male dies and the female drops off. The female then lays her eggs to complete the life cycle.
Infection of the tick takes place during one of the blood meals, at which, the tick may acquire or transmit the spirochaete Borrelia burgdorferi (the cause of Lyme Disease) to the host animal .
Lyme Disease is usually transmitted to humans by infected nymphs (during year three of their life cycle,) when they bite people. In the nymph stage, the ticks are quite small and will not be felt on the skin. Lyme Disease can also be transmitted by infected adult ticks to human beings when they emerge looking for larger hosts. As the tick feeds, it swells with the blood of the host and becomes more obvious on the skin.
Habitat of Ticks
Ticks are found where there is a combination of the following:
dead vegetation or leaf litter
passing host animals
Many parts of the U.K. are potential tick habitats. Recently, it has been found that ticks from many of these areas carry the infection.
A REVIEW OF LYME DISEASE
Prevention in Risk Areas
Keep skin covered and, where possible, avoid brushing against vegetation.
Inspect clothing and body regularly when you spend time in the countryside.
Remember, dogs and cats may be bitten and infected. If your dog or cat becomes noticeably lethargic and you are concerned about Lyme Disease, seek Veterinary advice promptly.
Removal
Do not panic, but remove the tick as soon as possible.
They will crawl about before biting.
An infected tick will not usually pass on the infection until it is fully engorged with blood.
Not every tick carries Lyme Disease.
Not every bite will transmit the disease, even if the tick is infected and not removed.
Check your pets for ticks and remove them.
Seek Medical Help
Infection is unlikely unless the tick is attached for more than 24 hours. If a rash or 'flu-like illness develops after you have been exposed to ticks, or the site becomes infected, seek medical advice promptly.
If anyone has anything to add to this please feel free.
Information taken and collated from:
http://www.wadhurst.demon.co.uk/lyme/lyme3.htm
http://www.amm.co.uk/newamm/files/factsabout/fa_lyme.htm
