Lyme disease is no laughing matter. It’s transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.The tick must be attached to its host for 36 to 48 hours to transmit the bacteria. If caught early, Lyme disease is treated with a 10-day course of antibiotics. Lyme disease is often characterized by a bullseye-shaped rash, but this occurs only in up to 80% of those affected. Other symptoms, including pain, fever, chills and muscle aches may develop in the weeks after the disease has been contracted. If you should experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor. Lyme disease is diagnosed by taking into account a patient’s exposure to ticks, his or her symptoms and a three-part blood test that some experts claim is not foolproof. If not treated with antibiotics, Lyme disease can cause symptoms such as severe headaches, facial palsy, swelling in large joints, changes in heartbeat and pain. Controversy rages as to whether there is such a thing as Chronic Lyme disease. Sufferers believe there is, but some medical experts believe they may have an autoimmune reaction to the initial infection.
Lyme disease has received a lot of attention lately, especially on reality TV. Fans of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills have watched as Yolanda Hadid (mother of Gigi, Bella and Anwar) waged her own battle with Lyme disease. She recently revealed that Bella and Anwar also have Lyme disease.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and In an effort to curb the spread of tick bites, Project Lyme recently launched as the first organization to focus on a national awareness program surrounding early prevention and early detection of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Founded by Heather Hearst, who was diagnosed with Lyme disease 30-years ago, Project Lyme aims to raise awareness and educate the public about this growing epidemic (and the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the U.S. today). Hearst contracted Lyme where she grew up on the shoreline of Madison, near Lyme, CT. She spent almost a year in bed and although her case of Lyme was severe, she was fortunate to be diagnosed and treated fairly early.
Project Lyme’s aim is to:
– Make tick prevention commonplace.
– Teach people where ticks really live.
– Know the steps to take before you go outside: What clothing to wear, what tick repellants to use, etc.
– Education: Learn how to check yourself and your family for ticks.
– Know the steps to take when returning inside: clothes placed into hot dryer, why to shower, etc.
– Learn what not to do: throwing your clothes onto your bed or furniture, etc.
– How to properly remove a tick.
– Learn how to protect your pets.
– Learn to recognize the early signs and symptoms and how to be your own best advocate.
– Learn why prevention is key and still the best way to protect your family.
LYME DISEASE – THE BIG PICTURE
- Lyme Disease is caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi that is carried by ticks and transmitted to humans through a bite. There are more than a dozen tick-borne diseases in the US, spread by nine different species of ticks, some even more dangerous than Lyme.
- Lyme is often called “The Great Imitator” as its symptoms mimic many other diseases. It can affect any system of the body, including the brain, nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart. The “bull’s eye” rash that can sometimes be present at the site of the tick bite often goes undetected, especially on darker skin tones.
- Lyme disease can affect individuals with fever, fatigue, rash, nausea, migrating joint pain, headaches, cognitive problems, Bell’s Palsy and flu like symptoms. In patients with a weakened immune system, the disease can be more severe, even fatal, if not diagnosed and treated.
- The CDC reports that Lyme disease is the most commonly reported and fastest-growing vector borne illness in the United States.
- Lyme and other tick-borne diseases have now been reported in almost every state.
- Lyme is growing: There are 10 times more cases in the U.S. than previously reported. (340% increase in the last 10 years plus). There are more new cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. than hepatitis, HIV, colon cancer or breast cancer reported each year.
- Most cases can be treated with antibiotics when detected early, however, in the event the antibiotics do not work there is no real agreement among medical authorities and institutions over how the illness should be treated. While Lyme can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early, some patients suffer lingering, debilitating symptoms for many years.
- The tests are unreliable because they test antibodies, and these do not show up for about a month after being infected, making it difficult to diagnose.
UPCOMING EVENTS
– Stand 4 Lyme Foundation Event, (Yolanda Hadid is an honorary chairperson) Sunday May 22, 4PM, Woodside, Silicon Valley, CA (Sponsorship)
– Project Lyme Event, September 30, 6-8 at the Hearst Tower, 44th Floor, NY
SOCIAL MEDIA
In addition to their website, Project Lyme is spreading the word through a multi-channel campaign including advertising and social media where they share prevention tips, latest tick and Lyme news, personal stories and videos from survivors and people with Lyme, and other shareable information like facts and tips. Follow them for the latest info …
Social Media Campaign: #TalkAboutTicks
Twitter: @ProjectLyme
Facebook: ProjectLymeOrg
Instagram: ProjectLyme
Check out the Project Lyme Video: https://vimeo.com/165027718
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