Critical Days of Summer: Lyme Disease

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Pedro Pena
  • 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Critical Days of Summer, the safety campaign designed to improve safety during the summer when Air Force Safety Center statistics show increased mishaps, is currently underway.

As summer approaches, bugs and insects can become more prevalent, which can increase the occurance of certain bug-related diseases including Lyme disease.

Delaware reported 715 cases of Lyme disease in 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and is usually characterized initially by a spreading red sore, fatigue, fever and chills. Ticks are most active during the months of May, June and July.

Most Lyme disease cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.

Here are a few steps to help protect Team Dover against tick bites:

- Try to avoid high grass, thick brush or heavily-wooded areas.

- Use insect repellent containing DEET. DEET is the active ingredient in insect repellant. On average, most consumer insect repellants contain between 5 - 25 percent DEET.

- Do not spray Permethrin-based repellant directly onto skin. It is intended for use on clothing only. Clothes must also be completely dry before wearing.

- When possible, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and light-colored clothing if outdoors. The light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.

- If a member finds a tick on their body and they believe it has been there less than 24 hours, their chance of contracting Lyme disease is very small.

- When attempting to remove a tick, use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull out with a steady motion. Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or other products to remove the tick. Once out, wash the bite area with soap and warm water. If a member is uncomfortable removing the tick, they should contact their health care provider for assistance.

- If a member feels ill after removing the tick, they should consult their health care provider.

For more information on Lyme disease, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm.