Communicable Diseases and Epidemiology
Lyme Disease fact sheet
Lyme Disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the bites of infected ticks. It is uncommon in our area, with 2-5 cases per year among King County residents. Of those, about 40% are probably infected while outside of Washington State. The bacterium which causes Lyme Disease has not yet been isolated in this state.
The first symptom is usually an expanding red rash which starts at the site of the tick bite, a few days to a few weeks after the tick bite. Fever, headache, muscle aches and joint pain may also occur. If it goes untreated, later symptoms can include recurring rash, joint pain, heart disease and nervous system disorders.
Lyme disease is diagnosed through a physical exam done by a health care provider. The available blood test for antibodies to Lyme Disease is used only as supporting evidence. Treatment with oral antibiotics during the early stages of Lyme Disease reduces the likelihood of later symptoms. Alternative or experimental treatment is not recommended. Taking antibiotics for every tick bite has not been beneficial, and is not recommended.
When working or hiking in areas with ticks, wear light colored long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and closed shoes (not sandals). Use tick repellent spray on clothing. After outdoor activities, wash clothing and check each person's body, including hair, for ticks. Pets can also get Lyme disease, so check them too. A tick can be removed by grasping its head with thin tipped tweezers and pulling straight out without jerking or twisting. Prompt removal of ticks can prevent disease transmission, because there is evidence that ticks must be attached for at least 24 hours for transmission to occur.
|
other insects
 West Nile Virus facts
Learn what King County is doing to prevent West Nile Virus from becoming a problem.
|
Head lice fact sheet
Head lice themselves are not a health hazard or a sign of uncleanliness however itching and scratching of the scalp can lead to skin sores and infections.
|
Swimmer's Itch
The parasite that causes Swimmers' Itch is deposited into lakes via goose and duck droppings. After burrowing into the skin, the parasite dies and the body reacts by forming red itchy bumps.
|
Scabies fact sheet
Scabies has been labeled with an age-old nickname as the "itch" or "the seven year itch." It is a contagious skin irritation and is caused by a very tiny insect called the "itch mite."
|
|
|
