By Staff
We've been on an update roll here lately so lets finish up with one more, or two actually. The status of West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease. West Nile Virus has been lying pretty low this year. As you know, this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and fluky weather this spring and summer has helped keep mosquito numbers down. The disease primarily infects birds. It has been found in over 160 species of birds but is by far the most virulent in crows, ravens and blue jays. It has also been found in bats, rats, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks and domestic rabbits but these show no ill effects. Our biggest concern is West Nile in horses and humans, which in some cases can escalate to potentially deadly encephalitis. There is no treatment or cure for West Nile Virus. Thankfully, in most instances humans show mild or no symptoms and soon get over it.
So far this year only 10 human cases of West Nile have been reported nationwide, these occur in the south and central parts of the U.S. Here in Michigan 22 infected birds have been found this year from 16 counties scattered around the state. The closest to us here in Michiana came from Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. There have been no reported cases in either birds or humans from Indiana or Ohio. The infections peaked in late June and early July and have now tapered off. That's not to say you should relax your guard, though. Use bug dope when mosquitoes are prevalent.
Lyme disease continues to be a concern here in Michigan. We've learned a lot more about Lyme disease over the last few years. It was first thought to be carried only by deer ticks, just one of a half dozen or so tick species. Deer ticks remain the most common host but it has been found in all the other tick species as well as biting insects such as mosquitoes, deer flies and horse flies. It is not known if these other carriers can transmit the disease to humans or not.
Lyme disease was first recognized in the U.S. in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. Most cases occur along the coastal areas of the New England states and Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, cases have been reported from 43 states, including Michigan. It was first found in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 1985. It has now been found in nearly all of the state's 83 counties and authorities expect that the number of cases to continue to rise.
Lyme disease is not a life threatening illness and can be treated with antibiotics. It is cause for concern but not alarm. It is difficult to diagnose because it mimics a number of other illnesses and there is no definitive test. Symptoms are usually like summer flu, headache, nausea and joint and muscle pain. These symptoms may disappear completely or reoccur intermittently over several months. However, a few individuals develop more serious conditions that can involve heart blockage, nervous disorders and arthritis. These conditions can occur from weeks to months or even several years after the tick bite. In many cases, but not all, a round, red rash from two to 20 inches across develops. This is not necessarily at the bite site and there can be several. This rash, along with knowing of a tick bite is the best method of diagnosis.
Lyme disease occurs in other animals as well. Domestic animals like dogs, cats and livestock may react with fever and lameness. Wild animals such as deer, raccoon and mice are commonly infected with Lyme disease but they show no ill effects. You can't contract the disease from handling or eating an infected animal.
Lyme disease is only one of a variety of illnesses transmitted by ticks. If you find a tick imbedded in your hide carefully remove it with fine pointed tweezers. DO NOT SQUEEZE THE BODY, this can force infected tick fluid into you. Grasp the tick near the head as close to your skin as possible and gently pull it straight out. Douse the area with disinfectant. Keep the tick in a bottle for a few weeks in case something develops. Carpe diem.