ticks carry Lyme Disease, common to Monterey Bay area

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Ticks disorders can lead to serious complications if left untreated.  If Lyme becomes a chronic condition it can lead to persistent muscle, bone, nerbe pain, fatique, and memory impairment.  Caught early, the typical treatment is 4 to 6 weeks of andibiotics. Be careful to check for ticks and see a physican for diagnosis and treatment.   What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
The list of possible symptoms for Lyme disease is long, and symptoms can affect every part of the body. Symptoms usually appear within three to 30 days. The following are the most common symptoms of LD. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.One of the primary symptoms is often a rash that is pink in the center and a deeper red on the surrounding skin. The rash:
  • can appear several days after infection, or not at all.
  • can last a few hours or up to several weeks.
  • can be very small or very large (up to 12 inches across).
  • can mimic such skin problems as hives, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy, and flea bites.
  • can itch or feel hot, or may not be felt at all.
  • can disappear and return several weeks later.
Several days or weeks after a bite from an infected tick, flu-like symptoms can appear, including the following:
  • headache
  • stiff neck
  • aches and pains in muscles and joints
  • low-grade fever and chills
  • fatigue
  • poor appetite
  • sore throat
  • swollen glands
After several months, painful and swollen joints may occur.
Other possible symptoms may include the following:
  • neurological symptoms
  • heart problems
  • skin disorders
  • eye problems
  • hepatitis
  • severe fatigue
  • weakness
  • problems with coordination
Some people may develop post-Lyme disease syndrome (PLDS), a condition also known as chronic Lyme disease. Symptoms include persistent muscle, bone, and nerve pain, fatigue, and memory impairment.Symptoms of LD may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
LD may be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may resemble other conditions. The primary symptom is a rash, but it may not be present in up to 20 percent of cases. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and a history of a tick bite.Diagnosis of Lyme disease must be made by an experienced physician. Blood and laboratory tests are generally done to rule out other conditions.Research is underway to develop and improve methods for diagnosing LD.
Treatment for Lyme disease:
Your child’s physician will determine the best treatment plan based on your child’s individual situation. Lyme disease is usually treated with antibiotics for a period of four to six weeks.Treatment will be considered based on these and other factors:
  • If you are bitten by a tick that tests positive for spirochetes.
  • If you are bitten by a tick and have any of the symptoms.
  • If you are bitten by a tick and are pregnant.
  • If you are bitten by a tick and live in an area where the ticks are known to be infected.
Relapse and incomplete treatment responses occur. Complications of untreated early-stage disease include: 40 to 60 percent joint disease; 15 to 20 percent neurologic disease; 8 percent carditis; and 10 percent (or more) of persons are hospitalized, some with chronic debilitating conditions.
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