News Excerpt:

A suspected case of Lyme disease caused by the bite of a tick (Black Legged Tick) carrying borrelia (Borrelia Burgdorferi) bacteria has been reported from Koovapady in Ernakulam district.

Lyme Disease:

• Lyme disease is a vector borne infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii.
• Transmission of disease occurs through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks also known as deer ticks.
• Lyme disease was first recognized in the town of Old Lyme, USA, in 1975.
• It is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

Symptoms:

• Lyme disease can affect various body parts, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system.
• Early symptoms of Lyme disease typically begin 3 to 30 days after infection
• Early symptoms typically consist of fever, headache, fatigue, and the distinctive bull's-eye rash known as erythema migrans.
• If untreated, the infection can spread, leading to more severe symptoms such as joint swelling, neurological issues like facial muscle numbness or paralysis, and heart palpitations.

Treatment:

• Diagnosis involves symptom assessment, physical examination, and possibly laboratory testing.
• Treatment usually consists of a few weeks of antibiotics.
• Prevention methods include insect repellent use, prompt tick removal and pesticide application.
• Covering your legs properly, wearing boots while going to marshy lands.