The black-legged tick is responsible for the spread of Lyme disease. Knowing how to spot them can help reduce your risk. But, when they are the size of a poppy seed, you may never even know you were infected. This is why taking steps to prevent contact is the best chance of protecting yourself. Wear light clothing, use insect repellent, and seek treatment immediately if bitten.
Although most people may not know the details surrounding Lyme disease, they know that ticks are often the culprit. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that all ticks carry this disease, but that is simply not the case. Building knowledge can make enjoying the outdoors both fun and safe.
This article will discuss the types of ticks that carry Lyme disease as well as everything you need to know about it.
Do All Ticks Carry Lyme Disease?
All ticks are not created equal. There are numerous species, each having its characteristics — with some being able to transmit Lyme disease while others are not.
Ticks can be tiny.
They crawl and have eight legs, much like spiders and mites.
Ticks are not considered insects, but rather parasites that feed on blood to survive. They are carriers of diseases and bacteria that they pick up from their hosts and they transmit it to another unsuspecting human or animal. For example, borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease bacterium.
But of the hundreds of types of ticks, not all carry Lyme disease.
Black-legged ticks are the ones who carry this harmful bacteria. In the United States, they are known as deer ticks (formally referred to as Ixodes scapularis) throughout the East and Midwest. And, in the Western region of the country, they are referred to as western black-legged ticks (or, Isodes pacificus).
In addition to Lyme disease, these dangerous ticks can also carry bacteria that can cause co-infections, such as Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.
Prevalence of Lyme Disease
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported each year in the United States alone. This does not account for all of those that are not reported — or that go undetected.
Black-legged ticks are always active throughout the year. They are survivors, making it through the record heat and freezing temperatures. These ticks are most active during the spring and summer months, into early fall.
From April through September, spending time outdoors poses a great risk since ticks in the nymph stage are out in great numbers. These young ticks are as small as a poppy seed which means they are hard to spot and can easily be feeding on you without your knowledge. They tend to be most responsible for the spread of the disease.
Preventing Lyme Disease
So, how can you reduce your risk of coming in contact with a black-legged tick? How can you prevent Lyme disease?
Since staying indoors all the time isn’t a feasible solution, taking these steps when heading outdoors is always a good idea.
Know Where to Find Them
Knowing where ticks live can help you protect yourself from them. For instance, leaving home and driving to the grocery store may not put you at great risk of coming in contact with a tick, but spending time in tall grass, brush, or shrubs will.
Black-legged ticks are fond of shady and moist areas. They are often found at ground level or heights of no more than one or two feet. You can find them in the woods, shrubs, gardens, and lawns.
Ticks move through direct contact. They do not fly or jump and they won’t fall out of a tree. If you are spending time in these areas, take notice.
Wear the Right Clothing
Light-colored clothing makes it easy to see ticks if they get on you. Wearing long pants tucked into socks and a long-sleeve shirt tucked into pants is a great way to keep you safe. And always wear closed-toe shoes. Whether alone or with others, check for ticks sporadically while outdoors. Don’t forget to overlook any exposed skin.
Additional Tips to Prevent Lyme Disease
A few other things you can do to help reduce your risk of Lyme disease include:
- Stay on well-traveled paths rather than walking through overgrown vegetation.
- Don’t sit on the ground, regardless of whether it is grass, dirt, or stone
- Keep long hair pulled back so that it doesn’t come in contact with a tick
Finally, if you are going to be outdoors, use insect repellent.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
You may not always know whether or not you have been bitten by a tick. That’s why it is always a good idea to know the symptoms — especially if you spend time outdoors. Keep in mind that these may vary from one person to the next.
Here are a few of the most common symptoms of Lyme disease.
- A red rash of varying size that looks like a bullseye
- Stiff neck
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bell’s palsy
- Neuropathy
- Heart disruptions
- Brain fog
Is Lyme Disease Curable?
After being bit by a tick, antibiotics can help to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. However, the timeframes associated with when this proves effective are quite stringent, leaving many without a solution. This is especially true since most people do not even realize they have come in contact with a tick.
If it is caught early, Lyme disease can be curable. Otherwise, treatments are available to provide patients with relief.
Treating Lyme Disease at Lyme Mexico
If you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or co-infections and need relief, consider seeking alternative solutions — such as traveling outside of the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
Lyme Mexico Clinic is a top clinic that has the treatment options you have been looking for. They are highly specialized in treating Lyme disease and its symptoms. New testing and alternative treatments are available, too.
Don’t spend another day dealing with the repercussions of your tick bite. Schedule a consultation with the team at Lyme Mexico today.