According to a story from eminetra.com, the month of May was Lyme Disease Awareness Month, which is a suitable time for it as May is often one of the peak months of tick activity during the year, though they will remain active throughout the warmer months. Areas that have experienced a milder winter and steady rainfall are likely to see a surge in the population of ticks, which can transmit Lyme disease and other infectious illnesses, such as babesiosis, rocky mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and more. 

About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Borrelia. This bacteria is commonly spread to humans through the bite of a tick. In the US, the species of tick associated with Lyme disease is called the deer tick or the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis). A tick must be attached to a person for at least 36 hours to transmit the bacteria. Symptoms of this disease include a distinctive bullseye rash surrounding the bite, fatigue, malaise, headache, and fever. Delays in treatment can lead to more serious symptoms, such as facial paralysis, mood changes, memory loss, sleeping difficulties, meningitis, arthritis, and others. In most cases, prompt treatment can effectively cure the infection. Delayed treatment increases the chance of serious complications and long-term, lingering symptoms. The number of cases of the disease appears to be growing annually. To learn more about Lyme disease, click here.

Precautions Are Critical

The peak of Lyme disease diagnoses often take place during June and July when people are most likely to encounter ticks and get bitten. However, doctors evaluating a patient who has symptoms following a tick bite would be wise to test for all known tick-borne diseases that are reported to occur in the local region; without prompt treatment, some of these infections can become life-threatening.

A recent survey conducted in Pennsylvania of 1,000 black-footed ticks found that 123 of them were positive for at least two infectious diseases.

Taking precautions to avoid tick bites is the most effective way to avoid infection. This means avoiding places where ticks are likely to hide, including heavy brush and tall grasses. If you must go in these areas, always wear insect repellent and long sleeves, which can delay a tick in finding a place to attach. Lightly colored clothes can also help you detect ticks more easily, and always check yourself after spending time outdoors.