Nature is beautiful, but it may sometimes pose some dangers to your health.

One such risk is Lyme disease. People who spend most of their time in the wild, such as hunters and campers, face this danger every time. May reminds us every year to prevent Lyme disease and save many lives.

History of Lyme Disease Prevention Month

May allows many to spread information to prevent Lyme disease. The practice has taken place since the 1980s every year in May because tick season occurs in May for many countries. A life-threatening ailment happens through the transmission of bacteria from a tick bite.

The increase in the tick population due to changes in climate increases the risk of spreading the disease. To fight the spread, people participate by educating the public about the causes and symptoms of Lyme disease. Municipalities and many regions organize fundraisers and events to help raise money for research. People also put green bulbs on their porch lights and wear green ribbons in solidarity.

Awareness educates the masses about the disease because it often becomes misdiagnosed. If left untreated, it can lead to severe problems, such as chronic pain and heart and joint problems. Knowledge must spread to help individuals protect themselves and their pets from this ailment.

If you have friends and family who love nature, make them aware of the dangers of a tick bite. Educate them about the proper dressing to help minimize the chances of risking bites and what to watch out for signs of the disease.

How Lyme Disease Spreads

Black-legged ticks are the vectors that spread Lyme disease. They do not cause the ailment directly as they carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It works in the same way mosquitoes spread heartworms.

Lyme disease can spread from pets to human beings and vice-versa because they thrive in environments that have shrubs, grass, and many trees. They hang out in the grass and on leaves while waiting for their next meal to brush by.

Taking Precautions

It is essential to take these precautions:

• Know what season in your area ticks are usually in season.
• You can spot and remove ticks easily if you wear light-colored clothes.
• Cover your skin by wearing pants and long sleeves.
• Avoid bushes and sitting under trees.
• Trim shrubs and maintain your yard.
• Check for ticks on yourself and your pets after being outdoors.

Symptoms

You will begin noticing symptoms of the disease several months after the tick bite. Some symptoms may seem like other health problems other than Lyme disease. Therefore, it is ideal to note the following signs:

• Swollen joints.
• Fever.
• Inflammation from one joint to another.
• Lameness.
• Reduced activity.
• Loss of appetite.

Treatment

If you notice your pet displaying any of the above symptoms, it is essential to take them to the vet. If you also recall them getting a tick bite, rush them for treatment. Antibiotics treat Lyme disease effectively.

For more on Lyme disease, call Goose Creek Veterinary Hospital at (571) 291-9110 to reach our office in Ashburn, VA. For emergencies, visit The LifeCentre office in Leesburg, Virginia, or call 703-777-5755.