Time to be on guard against Lyme disease by Senator Gary Plummer

With warmer temperatures finally here, no doubt you have already started spending more time outside, doing yard work, taking in sporting events, perhaps walking in the woods. As you begin to enjoy the outdoors, please be on guard against the ever-growing threat of Lyme disease.

In 2010, I sponsored legislation that made the month of May Lyme Disease Awareness Month.  But with cases of the illness historically peaking in the months of June and July, now is the time to start taking precautions, if you haven’t already.

Lyme disease is contracted when one is bitten by an infected deer tick, which is roughly the size of a poppy seed. The tell-tale early sign of Lyme disease is a bulls-eye rash, accompanied by flu-like symptoms, aches and fatigue. But one of the more menacing characteristics of Lyme disease is that in more than half the cases, no rash appears.

Symptoms normally occur within the first month after infection. It is easily treated in its early stages with antibiotics. But long-term complications of Lyme disease are much more serious. They include arthritis, neurological and cardiovascular problems.

Lyme disease has been reported in every part of Maine. Anyone can get it, but those most at risk are children under the age of 15, adults over 50, people who spend significant time outdoors, and those who are vulnerable to other types of infections. It cannot be passed on from one person to another.

More than three quarters of Lyme disease cases are contracted within 100 feet of victims’ homes.
According to the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, there are a number of steps you can take to minimize your chances of contracting Lyme disease.

•    When you are outside, use insect repellent (that contains DEET), and apply permethrin (which kills ticks on contact) to your clothes. Some landscaping companies can also apply a special spray on your yard that will kill ticks.

•    Wear light colored clothing with long sleeve shirts and pants. This will allow you to spot ticks more easily.

•    Tuck your pants into your socks and shirt into your pants, creating a “no tick” zone.

•    Check your clothing when you come back inside and remove any ticks from skin and clothing promptly.

•    Keep your lawn mowed and clear of overgrown brush and leaf litter.

When you return from the outdoors, you should check all over your body for tiny dark bumps, particularly in the “hot zones.” These include behind your knees, ears, as well as in the groin area, armpits, and under the breasts.

To date, there have been no known deaths from Lyme disease in the State of Maine, but as I noted above, the health effects, when left untreated, can be debilitating and extremely costly. But if the proper precautions are taken, they can be avoided.

Senator Gary Plummer serves Maine Senate District 12 which includes the Cumberland County towns of Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Standish and Windham as well as the York County town of Hollis.