Lyme Disease A public Service announcement What you need to know to keep yourself and your family safe. By: Rebecca LeBlanc For: Grand Canyon University HLT-550 Introduction to Environmental Health and Environmental Health Policy 1 November 2017

TELL ME ABOUT LYME DISEASE Lyme Disease (LD) is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, and is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected western blacklegged tick (deer tick) (sweetnathanael, n.d.). The reservoir for B. burgdorferi is small rodents, with deer as a secondary reservoir. Ticks that feed on infected rodents or deer may then transmit the disease to humans (sweetnathanael, n.d.). To contract Lyme disease, an infected deer tick must bite you. The bacteria enter your skin through the bite and eventually make their way into your bloodstream. In most cases, to transmit Lyme disease, a deer tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours (Mayo Clinic, 2016). Factors that place people at risk for exposure to tick bites include spending time in wooded or grassy areas. In the United States, deer ticks are most prevalent in the Northeast and Midwest regions, which have heavily wooded areas where deer ticks thrive. Children who spend a lot of time outdoors in these regions are especially at risk. Adults with outdoor occupations also are at increased risk. Exposed skin is another factor as ticks attach themselves easily to bare skin. Lastly not properly removing ticks promptly can place a person at risk for developing Lyme disease especially if a tick remains attached for 36 to 48 hours (Mayo Clinic, 2016).

HOW LYME DISEASE IS TRANSMITTED Lyme Disease Bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi Lyme Disease Reservoirs Rodents Lyme Disease Vectors Ticks Lyme Disease Hosts Humans

What are symptoms of Lyme Disease Early Signs and Symptoms (3 to 30 days after tick bite) Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes Erythema migrans (EM) rash: Later Signs and Symptoms (days to months after tick bite) Severe headaches and neck stiffness. Additional EM rashes on other areas of the body. Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face). Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones. Heart palpitations or an irregular heart beat. Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath. Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Nerve pain Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet. Problems with short-term memory. Reference Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (2016). Lyme disease. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index

How to prevent Lyme Disease Cover Up When in wooded or grassy areas, wear shoes, long pants tucked into your socks, a long- sleeved shirt, a hat and gloves. Try to stick to trails and avoid walking through low bushes and long grass. Use Insect Repellant Apply insect repellent with a 20 percent or higher concentration of DEET to your skin. Apply products with permethrin to clothing or buy pretreated clothing. Tick Proof Your Yard Clear brush and leaves where ticks live. Keep woodpiles in sunny areas. Reference Mayo Clinic, (2016). Lyme disease. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/lyme-disease/basics/prevention Picture retrieved from: https://www.sweetnathanael.com/resources

Lyme Disease in Summary Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, are spread through the bite of infected ticks. Lyme disease is found in all 50 states. Lyme disease can mimic other health problems. The effects of Lyme disease can be acute or chronic. Lyme disease is preventable by mindful of your surroundings, wear proper clothing, use approved insecticides and repellants. Check your skin for ticks after being outdoors. When in doubt talk to your doctor about your risk factors and current symptoms References Centers for Disease Control (CDC). (2016). Lyme disease. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/in dex Mayo Clinic, (2016). Lyme disease. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases- conditions/lyme-disease/basics/prevention Sweet Nathanael (n.d.) Pictures and information retrieved from: https://www.sweetnathanael.com/resources