Over the past several years, we’ve all learned more about the potentially dangerous consequences of being bitten by a tick.
And since May’s supposed to represent the first month when winter-bound New Englanders can begin to fully enjoy the outdoors again, it’s wise to raise awareness about the ability of these insects to cause bodily harm.
It’s so important that May has been designated Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
The most common early symptom of Lyme disease is a rash, where the tick came in contact with the skin. It often starts as a small red area that spreads outward, clearing up in the center so it looks like a doughnut.
Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, stiff neck, sore and aching muscles and joints, fatigue and swollen glands may also occur.
Even though these symptoms may go away, without medical treatment, some people will get the rash again in other places on their bodies weeks to years after the initial infection, and many will experience more serious problems.
The joints, nervous system and heart are most commonly affected.
State health officials warn ticks can also spread other diseases to humans. Deer ticks — also called black-legged ticks — can cause a plethora of other related maladies.
Other common-occurring tick-borne diseases found in Massachusetts include anaplasmosis, which causes fever, headache, chills and muscle ache; and babesiosis, a microscopic parasite that infects red blood cells.
Other common tick-borne diseases in the United States include ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness, Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, and tularemia.
Less frequently occurring tick-derived illnesses include Colorado tick fever, Q fever, and Powassan encephalitis.
Although still rare, the number of reported human cases of the Powassan virus has jumped in recent years.
“Powassan virus is closely related to West Nile virus, and while cases are rare compared to the other diseases spread by the same tick, the virus can invade the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and cause severe disease,” the Massachusetts Department of Public Health previously stated.
While our colder than normal winter and a drought that’s extended into the spring might work against a healthy tick crop this summer, State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown still expects “thousands of cases of Lyme disease and associated emergency department visits.”
Brown isn’t advising everyone to stay indoors, but simply to exercise caution while taking part in outdoor recreational and work-related pursuits.
Ticks cling to vegetation and thrive in brushy, wooded or grassy habitats. If outside in these areas, follow these simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Use a repellent with DEET or permethrin, according to the instructions given on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months, and only be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. More information on choosing a repellent and how to use repellents safely is included on the MDPH Public Health Fact Sheet on Tick Repellents at www.mass.gov/dph/tick.
• Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into your socks or boots, and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Stay on cleared trails when walking or hiking, avoiding the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.
• After spending time in an area likely to have ticks, check yourself, your children and pets for ticks.
These tips and background on the various tick-related diseases should help ensure a healthy time outdoors when we all should be enjoying it.
