There are over 120 types of microbes that are harmful to humans and are transmitted by ticks. The most well-known and common is Lyme disease.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which occurs through the bite of an infected tick.
According to data, from 1987 to the end of 2017, nearly 6,400 residents of Belgrade have fallen ill from this disease.
An infected tick will generally not transmit the bacterium and infect a person if it is properly removed within 36 hours from the moment of the bite.
Infection can occur from 3 to 30 days at the site of the bite, with symptoms most commonly appearing 7-15 days after the tick bite.
These bacteria are found in bodily fluids, but there is no evidence that they can be transmitted through sneezing, coughing, sexually, or through blood transfusion.
Symptoms and stages of Lyme disease
The first symptom is redness at or around the site of the tick bite, which expands in a ring-like pattern and resembles a target. This symptom is present in 70% - 80% of infected individuals - therefore, there is also a possibility that you are infected but do not have the ring-shaped redness. It usually appears seven to ten days after the bite (ranging from a few to several centimeters in size). The rash is not painful, does not itch, and gradually disappears.
The first symptom is redness
THERE ARE 3 STAGES OF LYME DISEASE
- In the first stage, along with the ring-shaped redness, other symptoms occur - increased body temperature, headache, muscle and joint pain, swelling in the joints, fever, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
- Children generally have the same symptoms of Lyme disease as adults.
- Pregnant women cannot transmit the disease to their fetus through breast milk.
- Changes in the second stage occur after several weeks or months. Pronounced flu-like symptoms appear, followed by numbness, tingling, facial paralysis, inflammation of the cranial nerves, and disturbances in heart rhythm.
- If left untreated or inadequately treated during the first two stages, after ten months or more years, the third stage may lead to permanent damage to the joints, nervous system, and skin. These changes also indicate a reduction in a person's work capacity, decreased concentration, sleep disturbances, and certain degrees of paralysis in specific parts of the body.
Should I get tested for Lyme disease if I have no symptoms?
If the tick is removed immediately, the risk of contracting Lyme disease decreases.
If you have been bitten by a tick and more than 24 hours have passed, consult your chosen doctor without delay, especially if changes appear around the bite site.
HOW IS LYME DISEASE DETECTED?
● By recognizing the symptoms of the disease, a doctor's examination, and discovering data about the tick bite. Your doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the presence of a rash or other symptoms characteristic of Lyme disease.
● Laboratory analyses and tests for Borrelia. Blood tests are most reliable a few weeks after the initial infection, when antibodies are present.
In the first 6 to 8 weeks after the tick bite, the test will almost certainly be negative even if the patient is infected, which is why follow-up tests are performed.
There are 2 known tests that detect these antibodies: these are Elisa and Western blot.
A tick bite is potentially dangerous
LYME DISEASE AND PETS
Everyone who walks with their pets can be at risk. This is especially true for those who are more active, going to cottages or somewhere in nature. It is very important to also think about your dog and buy appropriate tick protection for them, as a bite can be fatal for your pet.
HOW IS LYME DISEASE TREATED?
It is treated with antibiotics, and the decision to start treatment should always be made by a doctor.
Antibiotics should not be prescribed to a patient preventively, without the presence of any symptoms of the disease.
During the treatment period, it may take several weeks or months for all symptoms to disappear.
Prevention of Lyme disease includes reducing the risk of tick bites.
In our text "How to get rid of ticks", read how to best protect yourself from ticks and which products to use.
MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT LYME DISEASE
Myth 1: As soon as a tick bites you, you will get Lyme disease.
Incorrect. It takes 36 hours for a tick to be on you for you to contract Lyme disease.
Myth 2: You have Lyme disease if a rash appears on your skin.
Incorrect. It can happen, but it doesn't have to. This symptom is present in 70% - 80% of infected individuals.
Myth 3: You can check if you have Lyme disease if you do a blood test immediately.
Incorrect. Blood tests may not show results indicating you have an infection. Symptoms of Lyme disease may only be noticeable after several weeks from when you were infected. Doctors must test the skin where the bite occurred to detect the infection.
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