What is the Fastest Growing Vector Borne Disease in the United States? Lyme Disease

The United States CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has reported that about 300,000 people are affected by Lyme disease each year.

Wisconsin, combined with just seven other states, see 95% of the Lyme cases each year.  Since 1990 alone Wisconsin has identified 28,445 cases of Lyme disease.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services encourages people to seek medical attention right away if they develop such symptoms after spending time in a tick infested area. It takes 24 to 48 hours for a tick to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, so do not rule out the possibility of having Lyme if symptoms develop days after being in a tick infested area. Lyme disease, named after the Connecticut city where it was identified, is defined by a bull’s-eye rash, fever, headache, chills, and muscle and joint pain.

There is good news – Scientists have developed a vaccine to prevent family pets from Lyme disease.  Unfortunately the same can not be said for humans. The best bet is to take precautions anytime outside activities will be taking place in a brushy, wooded area. Some precautionary actions are:

• Use a repellent containing permethrin or DEET
• Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants and tuck your pants into your boots.
• Check frequently for ticks and remove them immediately
• Remove ticks slowly and gently. Folk remedies such as nail polish remover and Vaseline are not safe methods.
• Mosquito Squad’s Barrier and Tick Tube treatments

Mosquito Squad’s tick tube treatments can be added on to any barrier treatment package. Get ahead of the upcoming fall tick hatch and contact our office to schedule your intensive tick treatment.