 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Now is the Time to Learn about Lyme Disease
Contributed by: Hai Tran, Pharm.D. Candidate
KU School of Pharmacy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in both North America and Europe. Back in the 1970's, there was a high number of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis cases occurring in children in Lyme, Connecticut. It was later found that these children lived and played near wooded areas where ticks lived. Medical experts soon recognized this illness as a new disease and named it Lyme disease.
What causes it?
It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted to humans by the bite of tick species Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus. Researchers have found that ticks have to be attached to the human host for 48 hours before Lyme disease bacteria are transmitted. Please note that not all tick bites will cause Lyme disease.
What are the symptoms?
The first symptom of Lyme disease is a red rash where the tick bite occurred. The rash expands over a period of one day to weeks to look like a bull's eye. Patients typically report other symptoms such as headache, fatigue, muscle pain, stiff neck, and swelling of knees and joints.
How it is diagnosed?
This is a hard disease to diagnose because
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the symptoms you present with are common for other medical conditions. Physicians will diagnose based on symptoms, physical findings like the rash, and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. The last option for physicians diagnosing Lyme disease is to do lab work to see if the patient's body has made antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi.
How is it treated?
Early treatment is critical to complete recovery. Early stages of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics for a few weeks. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
How do I prevent tick bites?
Currently, the best available method for preventing tick bites is to avoid tick-infested areas such as wooded areas and grasslands and where the two areas meet. If that is unavoidable then there are some things you can do to decrease the risk of ticks attaching to you such as:
Do periodic inspections of your skin and cloths for ticks
Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants that fit tightly at the wrists and ankles
Wear clothing colors that will let you detect the ticks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Use insect repellent that contains DEET
Remove ticks promptly if they attach to you
Walk in the middle of trails to avoid tall grass where ticks can harbor
Check pets for ticks before letting them in the house
Check for ticks on all body parts after outdoor activity
For more information, visit: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lymedisease.html or talk to your local health care provider.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balls Hen House Pharmacies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8120 Parallel Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66109
(913) 334-1660
6238 N. Chatham Road
Kansas City, MO 64151
(816) 746-1475
1015 N.E. Rice Road
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
(816) 525-1479
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13600 S. Blackbob
Olathe, KS 66062
(913) 782-2039
2724 W 53rd St
Fairway, KS 66205
913-236-4983
6900 W. 135th Street
Overland Park, KS 66223
(913) 814 WELL (9355)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sprint Campus
6450 Sprint Parkway
Overland Park, KS 66251
(913) 315-8646
Merriam Town Center
5800 Antioch Rd.
Merriam, KS 66202
(913) 831-4140
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|