the good doctor on: Deer Ticks, Again!
Blog Vol. II # 4. Deer Ticks, Again!
Last summer, around this time, I did a blog on Lyme disease. As they say, repetition is the queen of learning; repetition is the queen of learning. Also, as we go along we find out more about things so…
Did you know that the tick that carries the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, is called a Deer Tick? Some think that if we could reduce the deer population, we could also slow down the spread of the disease. Not true, the deer is one of many hosts that the tick inhabits over its life span, with its most common host being the White-Footed Mouse. The deer tick can even be carried by the Eastern Chipmunk. Through many stages in its life cycle the tick spreads the spirochete that causes Lyme disease in humans though it does not adversely affect its host.
A concern is the gradual rising of temperatures. As the winter season shortens, the time of activity for the tick is increased, creating a higher incidence of the disease in our stomping grounds of southern Ontario. Lyme disease was originally found in the New England area in the 1970’s and was originally named for the town of Lyme, Connecticut. The range of the tick has spread over the years, and the number of known cases of
Lyme disease continues to rise.
What to do?
- When outdoors, especially in wooded areas, use bug spray with at least 20% DEET.
- After outdoor activity, check your body for any clinging ticks.
If you find a tick attached to your skin, there’s no need to panic—the key is to remove the tick as soon as possible. Pull gently with a set of fine-tipped tweezers trying to get the whole tick including the mouth, and then clean the site with alcohol. If you suspect exposure, contact your physician for a consult.
There is much information online; look particularly at the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation website.
Til next week,
the good doctor, Dr. Mark Germain, Burlington Optometrist.
