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LYME DISEASE SEASON UPON US
Friday, May 21st, 2010 -- 11:59 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
Lyme Disease cases have been on the rise in Clark County in recent years.
"Each year, it's been going up a bit," explains Sue Backaus with the Clark County Department of Public Health. "We had 44 cases in Clark County in 2005...In 2008, we had 74."
The tick-borne disease is nothing to mess around with, and there are some early symptoms you should watch out for.
"Lyme Disease usually starts out with a rash, which we call erythema migrans. Then, some early symptoms are fever, sweats, chill, neck pain and fibromyalgia."
Advanced symptoms can be serious: joint swelling, neuro-muscular disorders and heart problems.
The key, Backaus says, is to avoid deer tick bites. Use insect repellents with DEET, stuff pant legs into your socks so ticks can’t crawl under your clothes and wear light color clothing, so the ticks are more noticeable. Always check yourself for ticks after being outdoors as most infections can be avoided if you find the pests quick.
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