Health clinics see hike in Lyme disease cases Posted: Jul 08, 2014 9:36 AM EDT
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM
Lyme disease cases are on the rise again this summer in the Midstate, according to local medical experts.
Patient First doctors said they are seeing an average of 5-10 cases a day just at their Mechanicsburg location.
"They come in thinking it's a spider bite, but it's really the rash for Lyme disease," said Matthew Dows, P.A. at Patient First.
Dows said other signs include body aches, chills and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated by antibiotics, the disease can become incurable.
If you think you've been exposed to a deer tick, which is about the size of a pin head, Dows said do not attempt to burn it off. Instead, use tweezers or see your doctor within 72 hours.
To prevent Lyme disease, wear protective clothing and use bug spray. Dows said if you've been outside for an extended period, always check yourself and your pets for ticks before you come in.
Not surprised as I live near Reading PA and it's exploding out here too.
Important to note too that our pets are being affected as well. Both I and my dog have lyme, as did my sweet girl who passed almost a year ago. Epidemic is for real.
My doc told my her dog has lyme now and has lost ability to walk on it's back legs. From talking w/me, she knew what to do and got pup on different abx's as first pass didn't work. She's also giving dog blueberries and ACV to keep it's gut healthy thru course of treatment.
![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)