Lyme disease is Underreported - Number of Cases is 10 times Higher than Previously Known

It’s great to spend time in the beautiful outdoors. But, when we do, we can be exposed to ticks and tick bites.  Bites from infected ticks can give you Lyme disease. The CDC just issued a Press Release stating that the actual number of cases of Lyme disease that occurs in the United States is approximately 300,000 per year; a number that is 10 times higher than the number of cases that are actually reported. The CDC culled their data from three different studies, analyzing the numbers of Lyme disease cases via insurance claims, laboratories and patient surveys.  If you've never thought about Lyme disease before, now may be a good time to start, given that it's more prevalent than previously thought. Lyme disease also occurs in parts of Europe.

Photo by Carole Jakucs; Kinsale, Cork, Ireland.
Image subject to copyright. 

• Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected tick.
• Initial symptoms can vary, but some are; fever, joint and muscle pain, rash and headache.
• If Lyme disease is left untreated, permanent neurological (the nervous system) and organ damage (in particular the heart) can occur. It can also spread to the joints.
• If you have any concern that you may have been exposed to Lyme disease, are sick with Lyme disease, or have any fevers, rashes or joint pain/swelling; speak to your healthcare provider and/or seek professional medical care for medical advice, a diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment. The sooner treatment is started, the better.
• The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to prevent becoming bitten by a tick. The tick carries the disease. When it bites you, it transmits the disease. 
• If you plan on spending time outdoors (even at a picnic or in your back yard) in tick laden areas; wear insect repellent on your clothes, skin and gear. Look for products that contain either 20 – 30 % DEET. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use; since this is a poison, you want to use it correctly.
• If you plan on being outdoors (even in your own backyard) or hiking, steer clear of high brush and weeds. If you're hiking, stay on the trails where your path is clear. High brush and weeds where tick like to hide.
• Look for ticks on your skin, children’s skin, pets and gear after spending time outdoors.
• If you find any ticks on your skin, clothes, pets or gear and remove them as soon as possible.
• Remove ticks appropriately by following the right procedure, click here to view.
• For more information on Lyme disease, you can also visit The American Lyme Disease Foundation's website. 

Eight tips to prevent West Nile Virus

It’s that time of year again when West Nile Virus starts to rear its ugly head. A person can become infected if they are bitten by a mosquito that is carrying the virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can cause death in some cases. It’s important to recognize West Nile Virus is a preventable disease, how? By preventing mosquito bites with these tips:

Photo by Michael Jakucs; Malibu Canyon.
Image subject to copyright.

1. There is no way for you to know which mosquitoes are carrying the disease, so it’s important to prevent all mosquito bites, especially now that summer is here and most people spend more time enjoying the beautiful outdoors (like the great picture above) with activities such as barbecuing and hiking.
2. Find out if West Nile Virus is in your area (if you live in the United States) by visiting the CDC website and viewing their interactive map showing activity by state. 
3. Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active, which generally begins at dusk (in the early evening), through the night and continues through the early morning (and sometimes during the day).
4. Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants if you’re going to be outside when mosquitoes are active.
5. Ensure that your window screens are intact, if not, have your screens replaced or repaired. 
6. Avoid having any collections of standing water near your home and in your yard. Change the water daily in items that need water such as bird baths and children’s pools.
7. If you’re spending time outdoors, protect yourself with an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved insect repellent that contains either, DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or IR3535.
8. Apply Insect repellents correctly and safely. They should be applied to skin and sprayed on your clothes as per the package and manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the package directions to the letter, as insecticides are a poison and can be dangerous if used inappropriately.