Lyme disease is an infection that can cause skin, joint, heart and nervous system problems. It is a serious illness that can be passed on to you or your pet from the bite of a deer tick. Deer ticks can be found in grassy and woodland areas. Birds, mice and other animals can carry these ticks into your backyard, too. Adult deer ticks are smaller than a grain of rice. Deer ticks in their young stage are about the size of a poppy seed. These ticks can bite all warm-blooded animals, including people, dogs, cats and livestock.

Lyme disease is often difficult to diagnose because it can be mistaken for other illnesses. The early stages of the disease sometimes include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches and stiffness, swollen glands and fatigue. A red, expanding rash is one telltale symptom, but every victim of Lyme disease does not experience it. In 60 to 80 percent of cases, a “bull's eye” shape forms at the site of the bite, but can be found elsewhere on the body in other forms. The rash is usually larger than a quarter and lasts for at least several days.

If left untreated, the symptoms of Lyme disease may disappear, but other physical problems may develop later. The most common complication is crippling arthritis. The heart and nervous system may also be affected. It is important to remember that symptoms can vary greatly and can be quite serious. See your physician immediately if you think you may have Lyme disease.

To avoid tick bites and prevent Lyme disease:

€ Cover up when outdoors; wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts while in wooded areas

€ Wear light-colored clothing to help you spot ticks

€ Use repellents according to label instructions

€ Check for ticks on clothing, skin and hair each time you return from outdoors

€ Examine and remove ticks from your pets before they enter the house

If you have been bitten by a deer tick, immediately remove the imbedded tick, which may now look large and swollen. You may use tweezers to pull it out. Grasp the tick near the mouthparts, as close to the skin as possible. Pull steadily and firmly until the tick lets go. Never twist or squeeze the tick. Don't use petroleum jelly, kerosene or matches to remove ticks.

Disinfect the site with soap and water, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to prevent other types of infection. Record the date and location of the tick bite. If rash or flu-like symptoms appear, contact your health care provider immediately.

For more information on how to be tick free, call the Health Department at

253-1560 or read information at http://cayugacounty.us/hhs/.

You may also visit www.nyhealth.gov (New York State Department of Health) for more summer tips.

Elane Daly is director of Health and Human Services for Cayuga County. She can be reached at

253-1560 or cchealth@dfa.state.ny.us