Reply-To: dmiller@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"Daniel Miller"
The most current recommended site for information is the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lymeinfo.htm
Accept no substitutes. 8^)
See
>http://lymerix.com/
> highly im****tant vaccine
Please note that this vaccine has not been manufactured since 2002 and
is no longer available.
%A Fred Kantor
%T Disarming Lyme Disease
%J Scientific American
%V ?
%N 9
%D September 1994
%P 34?-39
%A E. Fikrig
%A S. W. Barthold
%A F. S. Kantor
%A R. A. Flavell
%T Protection of Mice Against the Lyme Disease Agent by Immunizing with
Recombinant OspA
%J Science
%V 250
%D October 26, 1993
%P 553-556
%A Alan G. Barbour
%A Durland Fish
%T The Biological and Social Phenomena of Lyme Disease
%J Science
%V 260
%D June 11, 1993
%P 1610-1616
%A S. W. Barthold
%T Antigenic Stability of Borrella burgdorferi during Chronic Infections
of
Immunocompetent Mice
%J Infection and Immunity
%V 61
%N 12
%D December 1993
%P 4955-4961
%A A. C. Steere
%A S. E. Malawista
%A D. R. Snydman
%A R. E. Shope
%A W. A. Andiman
%A M. R. Ross
%A F. M. Steele
%T Lyme Arthritis: An Epidemic of Oligoarticular Arithritis in Three
Connecticut Communities
%J Arthritis and Rheumatism
%V 20
%N 1
%D January-February 1997
%P 7-17
Also:
http://www.lymenet.org/
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Oasis/6455/lyme-links.html
http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/lyme.html
Covers problems associated with some alternative treatments such as
giving the patient malaria to kill lyme bacteria, overuse of
intravenous antibiotics, herxing, colliodal silver therapy and
hyperbaric oxygen.
TICKS, LYME DISEASE, and YOU
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is an illness caused by the spirochete bacteria,
_Borrelia burgdorferi_, which are transmitted to man and animals by tick
bites.
Although not all ticks carry the disease, in some areas as many as 90% of
the
ticks can be infected. The disease gets its name from the town of
Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first described in 1975. Many feel if it
were not for AIDS, Lyme disease would be the number one infectious disease
threat in the United States today.
There were an estimated 3200 re****ted cases of Lyme disease in New
York
State in 1989 and an estimated 7000 re****ted cases nationally. To date 45
states have re****ted cases. The states of New York, Massachussetts,
Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey account for the majority of
cases.
Cases from other parts of the country have increased significantly during
1989. It is estimated that as many as 50,000 cases have gone unre****ted
or
undiagnosed.
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
In about 60% of the cases, a characteristic rash or lesion called
erythema migrans develops. It begins a few days to a few weeks after the
bite
of an infected tick. The rash generally looks like an expanding red ring
with
a clear center, but can vary from a reddish blotchy appearance to red
throughout. Sometimes there are two or more lesions. Unfortunately, in
those
patients who never get a rash, the dignosis can be difficult. At about
the
same time that the rash develops, flu-like symptoms may appear along with
headache, stiff neck, fever, muscle aches and general malaise.
The later complications of Lyme disease are quite severe. Most
common
is arthritis, usually of the large joints (e.g., knees, hips, shoulders).
Other complications include meningitis and other neurological problems
such as
numbness, tingling and burning sensations in the extremities, severe pain,
loss of concentration, memory loss, confusion, loss of confidence,
withdrawal,
depression, fatigue, (often extreme and incapacitating), and Bell's palsey
(loss of control of one side of the face). Cardiac symptoms include heart
palpitations and irregular heart beat. Shortness of breath, dry mouth,
voice
changes, and difficulty swallowing can occur. Eye symptoms include
conjuctivitis, double vision, and loss of vision. Remember, some patients
do
not get the rash and progress directly to these later symptoms. Symptoms,
including pain are intermittant and changing, occuring in any combination
and
lasting from a few days to several months and possibly years.
It is im****tant to seek medical attention if any of these symptoms
appear, especially after being bitten by a tick or visiting an area where
Lyme
disease is common. Timely treatment with antibiotics (within a few days
of
symptoms appearing) will increase chances of recovery and may lessen the
severity of any later symptoms. If ignored, the early symptoms may
disappear,
but more serious problems can develop months to years later. Chronic Lyme
disease, because of its diverse symptoms, is particularly difficult to
diagnose. Treatment for later stages is more difficult and is often less
successful, sometimes requiring several months of intravenous antibiotic
therapy.
THE DEER TICK
_Ixodes dammini_ is responsible for most of the cases of Lyme
disease in
the northeastern and northcentral United States
(Although most people still refer to the tick as _I. dammini_
taxonomists have changed its name to _I. scapularis_).
These ticks are found in grassy areas (including lawns),
and shrubby and woodland habitats, even on warm winter days.
The adult ticks (about the size of a sesame seed) feed
mostly on white-tailed deer but will also attack other mammals including
man.
If infected, they can transmit the Lyme disease spirochete to their hosts.
After engorging, adult female ticks drop to the ground to lay several
thousand
eggs. The larvae hatch from the eggs and seek hosts, often the
white-footed
mouse, from July through September. The larvae are very small and
difficult
to spot.
Some of the larvae acquire the Lyme disease spirochete while feeding
on
infected hosts. After engorging, the larvae molt into nymphs, which
seekhosts
to feed on from April to September. Both the larvaland nymphal stages
attach
to a variety of small mammals, white-footed mice being the main reservoir
of
th Lyme disease spirochete. Nymphs that were infected as larvae can now
transmit spirochetes to their new host. In fact, it is the nymphal stage
that
appearsto be responsible for nearly 90% of the Lyme disease cases in
people.
This stage is also very small (about the size of a poppy seed). Their
bite is
painless so most people do not know they have been bitten. The nymphs
molt
into adult ticks and the process starts all over. The entire life cycle
requires three separate hosts and takes about two years to complete.
Spread primarily by wildlife, infected ticks have been found on 29
species of mammals including deer, mice, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels,
raccoons, opossum, and fox. Infected ticks have also been found on over
49
different species of birds. Indeed, birds may be the primary means by
which
the ticks are spread from one area to another. The tick prefers deer for
reproduction, but will utilize other animals when few deer are present.
The lone star tick, a common southern species, as well as several
other
_Ixodes_ ticks can transmit the disease.
LYME DISEASE IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS
Lyme disease has been diagnosed in dogs, cats, horses, and cows.
Symptoms include loss of appetite, soreness, and lameness, often with
fever
(102.5 to 106 degrees F), swollen glands, and joints. Heart, kidney,
liver,
eye and nervous system problems can develop. Laminitis is re****ted in
horses
and cows, as are poor fertility, abortions, and chronic weight loss.
Temperament changes have been re****ted in dogs and horses. Untreated
animals
can develop chronic progressive arthritis.
If you travel into tick infested areas with your animals, it is
possible
to bring ticks home on the animals that will infest your premises. If
animals
in your area develop Lyme disease it should alert you that you are also at
risk.
WHERE TO FIND TICKS ON ANIMALS
Ticks are most commonly found on the front parts (head, neck,
chest),
between the toes, on or in the ears, and inside the front and back legs
where
the leg meets the body (armpit or groin areas). Because the ticks are so
small, you must look very carefully. Remove any ticks found and save for
identification.
TICK CONTROL ON ANIMALS
To protect animals from infection and to keep them from bringing
ticks
home requires regular use of tick repellent and control products plus
daily
examination for ticks.
Veterinary assistance is im****tant in selecting safe tick control
products and designing a control program.
HOW TO AVOID TICK BITES
When out of doors several precautions can minimize your chancesd of
being bitten.
- Tuck your pants leg into your socks and your ****rt into your pants. The
ticks grab onto feet and legs and then climb up. This precaution will
help
keep them outside you clothes where they can be picked off.
-Wear light colored clothing. Dark ticks are more easily spotted against
a
light background.
-Inspect clothes often for ticks. Have a companion inspect your back.
- Apply repellents according to label instructions. Applying directly to
clothing appears to be most effective.
- Inspect you body thoroughly when you get in from the field. Especially
check groin, navel, armpits, head and behind knees and ears. Have a
companion
inspect your back, or use a mirror.
- Inspect children at least once daily for ticks. When in heavily
infested
areas inspect children every three to fou hours.
- When hiking stay in the middle of trails. Do not bushwhack.
- When working outdoors do not wear work clothes home. Wash work clothes
often or put them in the dryer to kill any ticks on them by drying.
WHAT TO DO IF BITTEN BY A TICK
Remove the tick as soon as possible. The easiest method is to grasp
the
tick with fine tweezers, as near the skin as you can, and gently pull
straight
out. Since the Lyme bacteria is injected ny the tick when it bites, you
nust
be careful not to squeeze the tick when removing it whcih could result in
more
bacteria being injected. Do NOT attempt to remove with lighted
cigarettes,
matches, nail polish, or vaseline.
Once removed put the tick in a small jar containing alcohol (rubbing
alcohol will do) and save for identification. Idenification becomes very
im****tant if you develop disease symptoms.
IDENTIFICATION OF TICKS
In most areas, ticks can be submitted for identification through
local
or state health department offices. Many physicians and veterinarians
will
also submit ticks.
When submitting a tick put it in a tightly closed container with a
small
amount of alcohol. Mark it with your name, address, and phone number,
date
collected, host collected from (animal or man) and recent travel history.
NOTES
_Lyme disease and pregnancy_: Miscarriage, premature births, and still
births
have been re****ted. Transplacental infection of the fetus has occured.
Transmission through breast milk is thought to occur. Any women
suspecting
exposure must tell her obstetrician and later, her pediatrician.
_Blood tests_: may be helpful as an aid in diagnosis but are not always
reliable. It is possible to have a negative test during the course of the
disease or following antibiotic therapy and still have active disease.
The
diagnosis of Lyme disease must generally be made on the basis of
clinicalsigns
and by ruling out other possible diseases. A negative test following
treatment does not indicat cure.
IF UNDIAGNOSED, LYME DISEASE CAN BE EXTREMELY DEVASTATING PHYSICALLY,
MENTALLY, AND FINANCIALLY.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Lyme Borreliosis Foundation, Inc.
National Headquarters
P.O. Box 462
Tolland, CT 06084
(203) 871-2900
State and local health departments in some cases can direct you to sources
of
information and help.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brochure design and information after a brochure entitled "Ticks and Lyme
Disease" done for the National Park Service by Howard S. Ginsberg, Jorge
Benach and Edward M. Bossler.
Revised, updated, and new information added By:
Lloyd E. Miller, DVM, Troy, NY, March 1990
===========================================================================
If you have any stories of difficult diagnosis, or other stories about
Lyme
disease you wish to relate (including sources of mis-information) please
e-
mail them to djm8_ltd@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
We have been maintaining a
base
of such information and all additions are welcome.
Well, go on out and enjoy the Great Outdoors, but be careful....
and have a nice day :-) :-) :-)Subject: Lyme Disease Information
Thanks to all who responded to my previous post. The fact that so
many are interested in learning more about this disease is encouraging.
As my original posting has probably expired, and I have a few email
addresses bounce back to me I am now posting the brochure here ( I
was holding out so as to get a feel for how many were interested and
the geographic distribution)..
If you have any encounters with Lyme disease that you would like to
relate, please email me at dmiller@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
This will
be passed on to my father, who is compiling such stories. Further
questions may also be addressed to me, and I will do my best to
answer them.
-moose If the thunder don't get you
dmiller@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
the lightning will...
Reference:
Medicine for Mountaineering.
From: pjanke@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
(Paul Janke)
The best way I have found to dispose of a tick once extracted
is to take about 1/2 inch of scotch tape, stick the tick to it,
and fold, thereby entombing the tick in a transparent medium.
The tick will cease to be a problem and will obviously suffocate.
Although alcohol makes for a better preservative, the average
person has easier access to good old scotch tape. Most of the
time I use this method on plain old wood ticks(its alot cleaner
than torching them,etc.) but also use it on the much smaller deer
ticks. I probably tape 100+ ticks/year including the ones from
my dog. Species level identification of entombed tick is no problem.
National Lyme Community Research Initiative
17 Monroe Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 273-3740
LymeNet-L listserv group (mailing list)
Subscriptions:
Send a memo to listserv@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
the body write subscribe LymeNet-L <Your Real Name>
http://www.psychiatry.pitt.edu/mup_lyme.htm
Ehrlichiosis
TIME magazine
(July 24, 1995)
Christine Gorman
1. Monocytic Ehrlichiosis - a flu-like illness, prevalent
mostly in the southern states, and spread by the
Lone Star Tick.
2. Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis - spread by
the deer ticks in the Northern States. In the past
two months, a dozen cases were re****ted from the
suburbs of northern New York City and eight from
Wisconsin and Minnesota. There is record of at least
90 people being stricken with this disease since 1990
in New York, Minnesota and Wisconsin and a few other
The second disease (HGE) is fatal. No warning signs like
a bull's-eye rash as in the case of Lyme disease. Typical
symptoms are high-fever, severe headache and backache.
Four people have died since 1990 of HGE.
Testing for the monocytic disease will not always reveal
the presence of the granulocytic disease.
The good news is that the drug that cures HGE, cures the
monocytic version, as well as Lyme disease.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Re****t of the CDC for 13 June 1997, pg 532:
In 1996, a total of 16,461 cases of LD were re****ted to CDC by
45 states and the District of Columbia (overall incidence: 6.2 per
100,000 population), representing a 41% increase from the 11,700 cases
re****ted in 1995. Eighty-seven counties each re****ting 20 or more
cases accounted for 89% of all re****ted cases. No cases were re****ted
from 5 states (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and South Dakota).
Eight states re****t LD incidences higher than the national average
(Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Wisconsin); these states accounted for 91%
of the nationally re****ted cases. Approximately 90% of the total
increase in re****ted cases in 1996 occurred in five states
(Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island).
TABLE OF CONTENTS of this chain:
19/ Lyme disease, frequently ask, under question <* THIS PANEL *>
20/ "Telling questions" backcountry Turing test (under construction)
21/ AMS
22/ Babies and Kids
23/ A bit of song (like camp songs)
24/ What is natural?
25/ A romantic notion of high-tech employment
26/ Other news groups of related interest, networking
27/ Films/cinema references
28/ References (written)
1/ DISCLAIMER
2/ Ethics
3/ Learning I
4/ learning II (lists, "Ten Essentials," Chouinard comments)
5/ Summary of past topics
6/ Non-wisdom: fire-arms topic circular discussion
7/ Phone / address lists
8/ Fletcher's Law of Inverse Appreciation / Rachel Carson / Foreman and
Hayduke
9/ Water Filter wisdom
10/ Volunteer work
11/ S**** bite
12/ Netiquette
13/ Questions on conditions and travel
14/ Dedication to Aldo Leopold
15/ Leopold's lot.
16/ Morbid backcountry
17/ Information about bears
18/ Poison ivy, frequently ask, under question
--
..
|
