If you’ve walked through a wooded or grassy area recently, you’ve probably been exposed to ticks and are therefore at risk for Lyme disease. May has been designated as Lyme disease awareness month, with the slogan “Target Lyme.” With the warmer weather taking hold, it’s an ideal time to spread the message of prevention.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by the bite of deer ticks. The bacteria is transmitted if the tick hangs on for more than a day, and it causes flu-like symptoms including fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lyme disease cases have increased over the last five years in Maine, according to The Maine Centers for Disease Control, and occur in all 16 counties. 

Those who don’t notice the bite or don’t get the usual “bull’s-eye” rash at the site of the bite are at the most risk, since misdiagnosis can lead to more serious symptoms.

While the infection can be treated and cured with antibiotics if properly diagnosed, those who have the infection for a long time can suffer more serious symptoms, such as lesions, facial palsy, severe headaches and neck stiffness, pain and swelling in the large joints and shooting pains, according to the U.S. CDC.

Approximately 10 to 20 percent of those who are treated for Lyme disease will contract “post-treatment Lyme disease” and continue to have symptoms of fatigue, pain, or joint and muscle aches for months or years, according to the CDC.

It’s frightening to think that such debilitating symptoms can result from just a walk in the park or a snuggle with a furry pet. As anyone who has suffered from Lyme disease can attest, this is a very serious illness that is life-changing.

The good news is that Lyme disease is treatable, and it’s preventable ”“ if we’re diligent.

The Maine CDC recommends that people take a few steps to protect themselves when they’re out and about or if they have pets at home, using the “No Ticks 4 ME” approach:

Ӣ Wear protective, light-colored clothing

Ӣ Use insect repellent

Ӣ Perform daily tick checks

Ӣ Use caution in tick habitats

Staying out of the tall grass, treating pets with tick repellent and being vigilant about checking yourself after being outdoors can keep the threat of Lyme disease very low. Deer ticks can transmit the disease when they’re as small as a poppy seed, and they like to bite at skin folds and other hard-to-see areas. It helps to have another person to give you a thorough look-over following an outing, and showering is a good idea, too.

By being proactive in avoiding Lyme disease and knowing the symptoms so it can be treated at an early stage, its most debilitating effects can be avoided. We shouldn’t be too scared to go outside because of the risk, but we should be educated and take the easy preventative steps suggested by health agencies to avoid infection.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at [email protected].