Lyme Disease Initiative
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a vector-borne illness that spreads through the bloodstream and causes a plethora of health effects throughout the body. Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii are the bacterium responsible for the disease. Lyme disease can be transferred to humans through a black-legged tick bite. If a tick has been infected by the disease as a result of the consumption of a disease-ridden animal, it can transfer that bacteria into humans. Once the bacteria spreads through the bloodstream, the illness has infected the body. Additionally, ticks may also be transferred from a pet as the small size of the tick allows for it to go unnoticed. Exposure to Lyme disease is likely to occur in areas with wildlife and greenery or when partaking in outdoor activities.
Lyme Disease prevention
Prior to entering an environment with ticks:
Wear colours that will allow you to see a tick if it gets attached to you clothing, wear a shirt with long sleeves, tuck in your clothing, don’t wear open toed shoes, use bug spray the has Picaridin and spray all over oneself, and wear clothing treated with permethrin.
When in an environment with ticks:
Remain on marked paths, do not wander onto paths that animals have made.
Prior to going inside:
Conduct an examination of yourself, your pets, and your belongings.
When inside:
Take a bath immediately if possible to do so, conduct another examination of oneself if a bath is not possible. If a tick is found, detach it immediately. If a tick is found on your clothing, place your clothing in the dryer for a 10 minute period at a high temperature.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include…
Fatigue
Headaches
Fever
Chills
Muscle Pains
A specific kind of skin rash called erythema migrans
Treatment
Most cases of Lyme Disease can be treated using oral or intravenous antibiotics.
Why We’re Invested
Our team has been directly impacted by Lyme Disease. Jarred, who has been a member of the Alpha Dogs for 4 years, is currently struggling through the management and treatment of this challenging disease.
What We’re Doing
We have decided that we can help is by sharing information and educating people about the disease. Each of our newsletters will have some information to help spread the word about Lyme disease. We are also helping to fundraise for Jarred’s treatment and for research into a cure. If you have any resources that you recommend or personal experience with the disease, we ask you to share with us at humberviewrobotics@gmail.com