Increasing Number of Lyme Disease Cases in Loudon County

Health officials are concerned by the increasing number of Lyme disease cases in Loudon County, VA.  Lyme disease is a debilitating disease that is transmitted by infected ticks. However, a particular strain has been hard to detect, which means there may be many more people suffering from this illness, without being diagnosed and treated. Here’s an article with more information.

In Northern Virginia, hard-to-detect strain of Lyme disease could leave people undiagnosed

A southern migration of black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, has brought with it the growing threat of Lyme disease to Northern Virginia. “It certainly is a real challenge and we don’t know exactly why it’s obviously moving south,” said Dr. Holly Gaff, of Old Dominion University. And certain strains have developed over the years that are difficult to detect.

Lyme disease can be treated if detected early, which is why it’s important to be able to identify the symptoms.

Do you take preventative measures to protect yourself from ticks? If not, then now is the time to take action.

The basics about protecting yourself from ticks

Ticks can be found in different kinds of terrain, at different times of the year, in different kinds of weather. They come in different sizes. Many are quite small, as easily overlooked as a speck of dirt. They tend to be near the ground—in decomposed leaves, grasses, bushes, fallen logs and on the lower part of tree trunks. When you brush by them, they may transfer to your shoe, your pant leg or your arm. Sometimes ticks hitch a ride on your dog’s fur. And then come on over to you when they get the chance.

You need a keen eye to detect these little critters. Make sure you are checking yourself thoroughly if you’ve been anywhere that may have a tick population. If you find a tick on you, remove it safely and keep an eye out for any symptoms that could be of concern.