Bull’s-Eye Rash is Not So Precise

Yes, it is true. A tiny tick can make you very sick. Developing a bull’s-eye rash is a sure sign that you have Lyme disease.

When we think about a bulls-eye, we equate it to precision. While it is a precise indicator of Lyme infection, can we rely solely on the rash? Also called erythema migrans, the tell-tale bull’s-eye rash only occurs in approximately 70-80% of infected people. For this reason, it is important to understand other aspects Lyme disease.

Lyme Disease Awareness Month is upcoming.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Mosquito Squad is here to help spread awareness. New Hampshire has had nearly 16,000 confirmed cases of Lyme in the last three years. Many Merrimack area residents know someone, who has been affected by Lyme disease, or perhaps have had their own Lyme diagnosis in the past. Residents of southern New Hampshire should be informed about additional symptoms of Lyme disease, because of the imprecise nature of the rash itself. While 70-80% seems like a huge number, it conversely indicates that up to 4,800 of 16,000 cases did not present the rash at all.

What are some other Lyme disease symptoms?

In the early stages, symptoms can seem like the flu. Noticeable fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes are some signs that you might have Lyme infection. A bulls-eye type rash can appear at the site of the tick bite within 30 days, although the flu-like symptoms might be the only sign of infection. If the rash does appear, it will gradually expand over a period of several days and will feel warm to the touch. If you have spent time outdoors, and notice flu-like symptoms and/or the rash, seek medical attention and tell your physician that you might have been exposed to a tick.

What if Lyme infection goes undetected and untreated?

As the disease goes undetected more symptoms can occur months or even years later. Some of the later symptoms could be loss of muscle tone to one or both sides of the face, headaches, neck stiffness and pain, and swelling of the joints. People suffering from chronic Lyme disease can also experience serious symptoms, such as heart palpitations and cognitive impairment.

Merrimack Tick Control Tips

At Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire, we highly recommend practicing our company’s 6 C’s of tick control. Here in the first days of springtime, we believe it is important to reiterate the steps that southern New Hampshire residents can take to help reduce the number of ticks around their homes. The less your chances are for an infected tick bite, the better.

1. Clear debris. This is especially important in moist, shady areas where ticks thrive.
2. Clean. Get rid of leaf litter, brush off sidewalks and mow grass.
3. Choose plants that are not attractive to deer. Deer will carry ticks into your yard.
4. Check hiding places often. Ticks like to congregate at the bottom of brick walls and fences.
5. Care for your pets. Ensure you check family pets for ticks and apply tick medication regularly.
6. Call a Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire for our trusted Merrimack tick control services.

It’s springtime and Merrimack tick control should be front-of-mind as you begin to enjoy more time outdoors. Call Mosquito Squad of Southern New Hampshire at (603) 538-3125 to start your 2021 Merrimack mosquito and tick control regimen.