Saturday, February 22, 2014

Lyme disease widespread in Bay Area Open Space


San Mateo Patch/Renee Schiavone, Editor, 2/19/14 from Bay City News, Inc.  "Study finds Lyme Disease widespread in Bay Area Open Spaces.  Some simple precautions can be taken..."

Lyme disease is more widespread in Bay Area open spaces than previously thought, according to the results of a new study announced today by Stanford University researchers.

Like hiking our Open Space? Be aware of Deer ticks.
Deer ticks are not very big, compare their size to a dime.
Got bit by one?  Probably best to go see a physician ASAP.
The study, called "Tick-borne Pathogens in Northwestern California," also revealed that Bay Area ticks carry a second bacteria, previously undetected in the region, that can bring on flu-like symptoms in infected humans, such as relapsing fever and severe aches and pains, according to Dan Salkeld, a disease ecologist at Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.

The two strains of bacteria were found by researchers who fanned out into 12 open space preserves in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties...  "We found it in every single (test) open space, and every type of terrain."  Read article.

Reference - Medicine Net, "Lyme Disease".  Web MD, Lyme Disease slideshow: "Symptoms, causes, treatments", 12 slides.  Lyme Disease Association, Inc.  Tick identification -  U Rhode Island Tick Encounter Resource Center, "Deer ticks".  Tick information, "Deer Tick and related species." 

Related - The Sparkling Goat.Facts about deer ticks:  "They love warm, humid climates. This past winter was especially that, so their numbers will be up! They carry Lyme Disease.  If you are bitten, send the tick in for testing. More info on how to do that below. They are attracted to dark clothing. Wear light colors when walking through the woods. Click here for some first aid tips from the Mayo Clinic. If you find a tick on you, brush it off outside or flush it. If it's ATTACHED, pull it off carefully with tweezers or use a lit match (blow it out first) to have the tick detach itself.  IMPORTANT: if the tick bit you, save the tick and bring it to your doctor for testing."  Note:  Photo/graphic from this website.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

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