OREGON – It is that time of year when people enjoy being outside.
But it is also the time of year that people must be vigilant when it comes to outdoor pests like ticks, which can carry Lyme disease.
That’s where Jeremy Myers comes in. He is an environment health inspector for Ogle County. An Army veteran, Myers received his bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Oakland University in Michigan. He will be pursuing a master’s degree in public health from Northern Illinois university and currently specializes in public health entomology and Vector borne disease.
Myers, 31, agreed to answer some questions about Lyme disease, and how people can protect themselves.
Question: What is Lyme disease?
Answer: Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Basically it is a debilitating disease that leaves the afflicted with pain in the joints and body, leading to other symptoms that cause overall quality of life to suffer. One of the key onset symptoms is a bullseye rash. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html
Individuals can also use clothing and equipment treated with permethrin in addition to using Deet based insect repellants applied properly and regularly. Keep in mind that permethrin is lethal to cats so use caution around pets of this type. Lastly checking for ticks after outdoor activities has proven to be the most effective way to safeguard your family and pets against tick borne disease.