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From Wanaque
Health Department:

Lyme Disease
In New Jersey

Transmitted by bite of tick (Ixodes spp.)
Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete (spiral shaped bacterium)
May persist in body for several years
First noted in Old Lyme, Conn, - 1975
In New Jersey and California - 1978

Actual size, left to right, of larva, nymph, adult male, adult female, and engorged adult female Ixodes ticks, and adult male and female Dermacentor ticks.

Larva, nymph, adult male, and adult female of Ixodes damini about seven times actual size.

SYMPTOMS:

• Spreading rash
• Flu-like symptoms
• Fever
• Aches

STAGE 1:

• Expanding rash
• Three to thirty days after bite
• Ring-like appearance to rash
• One or more rash sites
• May or may not have flu symptoms
• May come and go or persist

STAGE 2:

• Complications: disorders of the heart of nervous system
• Heart: varying degrees of blockage of heart muscle
• Nervous system: meningitis, encephalitis, facial paralysis
• (Bell's Palsy), other conditions involving peripheral nerves
• Migratory pain in joints, tendons, muscles and bones - often without joint swelling or redness

STAGE 3:

Months to years after disease onset:

• Arthritis that appears and disappears intermittently for several years
• Enlarged knee joints
• Erosion of cartilage and bone

PERSONAL PROTECTION:

• Tuck pants into socks
• Wear light colored clothing
• Frequent inspections
• Avoid trail margins and high grass when in tick country
• Apply repellent (Permanone, DEET, or Muskol) to shoes, socks and pants

PET PROTECTION:

• Frequent inspections and tick removal (use tweezers)
• Application of tick powders (follow label directions)
• Services of a veterinarian

AREA PROTECTION:

• Mow grass along trails, around buildings and home lawns
• Remove brush adjacent to trails and public areas
• Periodic insecticide applications will reduce tick populations. If the area is a home lawn, mow grass before applying insecticide. If a field situation, spray the trail and a three to five foot barrier area on both sides of the trail. Suitable insecticides include the following: Dursban, diazinon (Spectracide), Sevin, Tempo 2, 4-Week Tick Killer (10 percent Permethrin) and Deltic.

READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS ON ALL PESTICIDES AND REPELLENTS.