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NLIS 4 July 17, 2004 (Natural Resources) (Health and Community Services) Potential for Lyme Disease exists in province Officials from the departments of Health and Community Services and Natural Resources said today that the tick responsible for spreading Lyme Disease in humans and in animals is being seen with increased frequency in the province. According to provincial veterinarian Dr. Hugh Whitney deer ticks are being found at increased levels throughout the island portion of the province on dogs, cats and in some cases people. "We have received at least 10 ticks so far this year for identification and testing. Approximately 20 per cent of these ticks have been confirmed to have been infected with Lyme Disease. However, there are still no known cases of illness in domestic animals acquired in this province." Lyme Disease is caused by a bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) which is spread through a bite from infected ticks. The tick most commonly associated with infections of Lyme Disease is the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). A tick is a small, wingless bug, similar to a spider or mite, and feeds on the blood of mammals and birds. It can attach to any exposed part of the body after walking through grass or brush where ticks may be found. The first tick found to be carrying this disease in this province was in Cape Broyle in 2001. Dr. Faith Stratton, chief medical officer of health, said there have been no human cases of Lyme Disease acquired in this province. However, the potential does exist for individuals to contract Lyme Disease as has been the case in other provinces where some people have contracted the infection. While it may appear to be a mild disease initially, Dr. Stratton said human cases of Lyme Disease can result in serious medical complications in humans if not treated. "Symptoms usually occur one to two weeks after being bitten by an infected tick and begin with an enlarging red area of the skin at the site of the bite. Other early symptoms include fever, headache, neck stiffness, malaise and general muscle and joint aches and pain. If not treated, the disease can spread to affect other areas of the body such as the nerves and heart. Treatment with antibiotics will cure the infection." Dr. Whitney indicated that he feels the infected ticks are coming into the province on migratory birds and that there are as of yet no known permanent populations in the province. Dogs are the most commonly affected domestic animals with symptoms including fever, loss of appetite and unexplained lameness. People can reduce their exposure to tick bites by wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and legs covered) and by applying insect repellant containing DEET when travelling in areas where ticks may be present. Officials are advising the general public that if they should discover a tick either on their body or on their pets, that they should remove it carefully with a pair of tweezers, or other commerical tick removal devices, by gently grasping the tick's mouthparts near to the skin and then pulling it out with a slow, steady motion, being cautious to not leave pieces behind that might cause infection Further information on ticks and Lyme Disease can be found at the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/agric under Animal Diseases. Media contact:
2004 07 16 11:40 a.m. |
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