Lyme Disease
Update for 2022
Lyme disease continues to be a concern for camps in some areas. A tick borne illness caused by spirochete Borrerlia burgdorferi, Lyme is most commonly transmitted through bite of the Ixodes species of tick.
It primarily affects three areas in US: Northeast, Upper Midwest and Northern California.
Preventing tick bites should be a primary goal for camps in the high incidence areas:
- Using DEET applied to skin or clothing
- Permethrin impregnated clothing
- Wear light clothing; Tuck pant legs in socks.
- Perform regular tick checks after being in tick-infested areas
To remove embedded ticks: Mechanically pull straight out using fine-tip tweezer within 24 hours. Do not burn or apply chemicals. Clean the area with soap and water once the tick is removed. Document the date and time of the tick removal.
Signs and symptoms of Lyme disease may appear 3-30 days after a tick bite, the average is 7 days. Be sure to observe the camper or staff member for signs of Lyme disease, and communicate the tick exposure to parents when the camper returns home so parents are aware of the potential for Lyme disease.
Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. These include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis. a rash that may appear as a ‘bulls-eye” may appear at the location of the tick bite.
Should any symptoms of Lyme disease appear after. a tick bite, physician exam is important for diagnosis and testing.
