By Brian Gray
bgray@ themonroetimes.com
MONROE - The number of Lyme disease cases in Green County is at the same level as this time last year, but that number could climb as the summer season wears on.
Last year, there were 12 cases of Lyme disease reported in Green County. This year there have been three cases reported. By this time last year, there were also three cases reported, according to RoAnn Warden, Green County Health Department director.
For the next three months, people need to be aware that the cases of Lyme disease are expected to increase and should take precautions.
"The majority of cases last year were in July, August and September," she said.
Although she doesn't have any data on the actual number of ticks, Warden said people have told her there seem to be more of the pests in the area than in previous years. She said now is a good time for people to think about how to prevent Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, cdc.gov, said ticks transmit the disease to humans from squirrels, mice and other small animals.
According to the DHS, there were a total of 2,580 cases of Lyme disease in the state. May through August is typically the time when Lyme disease cases increase, according to the department's website, dhs.wisconsin.gov.
The department's website says that children younger than age 16 and adults over the age of 40 are at greater risk to get Lyme disease.
According to the department's website, people should use effective tick repellents; landscape their homes and recreational areas in a way that reduces the number of ticks; and check dogs and cats for ticks before allowing them inside.
Warden said people who find a tick on their body should watch for a circular red rash.
According to the CDC, the rash appears in 70 to 80 percent of infected people and begins at the site of the tick bite after a delay of three to 30 days. The rash gradually expands and can be as large as 12 inches. The center of the rash may clear, giving it a bull's-eye appearance.
Other symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, tiredness and joint pain.
According to the CDC, most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early.
Without treatment, people can lose the muscle tone on one or both sides of their face, can have severe headaches and neck stiffness, heart palpitations and dizziness due to changes in their heartbeat. They can also have pain that moves from joint to joint.
bgray@ themonroetimes.com
MONROE - The number of Lyme disease cases in Green County is at the same level as this time last year, but that number could climb as the summer season wears on.
Last year, there were 12 cases of Lyme disease reported in Green County. This year there have been three cases reported. By this time last year, there were also three cases reported, according to RoAnn Warden, Green County Health Department director.
For the next three months, people need to be aware that the cases of Lyme disease are expected to increase and should take precautions.
"The majority of cases last year were in July, August and September," she said.
Although she doesn't have any data on the actual number of ticks, Warden said people have told her there seem to be more of the pests in the area than in previous years. She said now is a good time for people to think about how to prevent Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is spread by deer ticks, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, cdc.gov, said ticks transmit the disease to humans from squirrels, mice and other small animals.
According to the DHS, there were a total of 2,580 cases of Lyme disease in the state. May through August is typically the time when Lyme disease cases increase, according to the department's website, dhs.wisconsin.gov.
The department's website says that children younger than age 16 and adults over the age of 40 are at greater risk to get Lyme disease.
According to the department's website, people should use effective tick repellents; landscape their homes and recreational areas in a way that reduces the number of ticks; and check dogs and cats for ticks before allowing them inside.
Warden said people who find a tick on their body should watch for a circular red rash.
According to the CDC, the rash appears in 70 to 80 percent of infected people and begins at the site of the tick bite after a delay of three to 30 days. The rash gradually expands and can be as large as 12 inches. The center of the rash may clear, giving it a bull's-eye appearance.
Other symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, tiredness and joint pain.
According to the CDC, most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early.
Without treatment, people can lose the muscle tone on one or both sides of their face, can have severe headaches and neck stiffness, heart palpitations and dizziness due to changes in their heartbeat. They can also have pain that moves from joint to joint.