Montgomery County, PA

Lyme Disease is caused by bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted most commonly by the Deer Tick (Ixodes scapularis). Lyme disease may cause symptoms affecting the skin, nervous system, heart and/or joints of an individual. In the years 2003-2009, there were 3,234 cases of Lyme disease confirmed by Montgomery County Health Department, making it one of the most reportable diseases in the county.

Lyme disease can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or race. People who spend time in grassy and wooded environments are at an increased risk of exposure.
The chances of being bitten by a deer tick are greater between May–October when the ticks are most active. Young deer ticks, called nymphs, are active from mid-May to mid-August and are about the size of poppy seeds. Adult ticks, which are approximately the size of sesame seeds, are most active from March to mid-May and from mid-August to November. Both nymphs and adults can transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease can even be transmitted in the cold winter months since ticks can be active anytime the temperature is above 45 degrees.

It is important to know that not all deer ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. Ticks are in fact carriers of the bacteria only after they have fed on small mammals such as rabbits, mice and squirrels. The disease can be spread when an infected tick bites a person and stays attached for an extended period of time. Lyme disease does not spread from one person to another; therefore no prophylaxis is needed for close contacts. Those infected with Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.

 

You can protect yourself by following these simple steps when you spend time outdoors:

 

For additional information about Lyme disease, click on the following:
Prevention