Louisville Lyme Disease…. Are You Aware?

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and even though Lyme is not a huge problem in Kentucky it is growing. In 2010, there were 5 confirmed cases. In 2014, there were 11 confirmed and 33 probable cases. 11 may not seem like many, but it is an over 100% increase. This upward trend isn’t likely to change.

Humans contract Lyme disease (caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi) from the bite of a black-legged tick that is infected. Early symptoms include headache, fever, fatigue, and a distinctive bullseye-shaped rash. In the early stages, antibiotics are used for treatment and patients can recover quickly and thoroughly.

Louisville Chronic Lyme Disease

But did you know this? 
In a small percentage of patients with Lyme disease, the symptoms may linger. Fatigue, joint and muscle pain can last for more than 6 months for these few. This condition is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and the constant pain and weakness can truly be debilitating. Doctors often treat PTLDS or chronic Lyme in the same manner they would treat fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. The good news here is that eventually the patient is likely to get better.

Louisville Lyme Carditis

Lyme can also present an even more concerning issue – Lyme carditis. Lyme carditis happens when the bacteria that causes Lyme enters the tissue of the heart. It can interfere with the electrical signals in the heart that coordinate the heartbeat. The symptoms can include lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, and chest pains along with the other usual symptoms of Lyme disease. It may also progress quickly. According to the CDC, Lyme carditis occurs in approximately 1% of reported Lyme cases. Treatment usually consists of antibiotic treatment and symptoms will subsist by the 6-week mark. However, there have been a slight number of cases that resulted in death.

At Mosquito Squad of Louisville we want to remind you that information is the key to prevention. While both of the above-mentioned conditions can be serious and even dangerous, proper diagnosis and treatment will reduce risks considerably. Also, keep the following steps in mind: 1st: Be aware of the possibilities of tick bites when out in nature, dress properly and check for stowaways. 2nd: If the possibility of a tick bite is present, watch for symptoms and get immediate treatment if they occur. 3rd: Follow the 6 Cs of tick controlto deter ticks from your Louisville yard. 4th: Contact us about our tick elimination and prevention services.. At Mosquito Squad of Louisville we can eliminate 85-90% of the tick population in your yard and our services are 100% satisfaction guaranteed!