(WJZ) CARROLL COUNTY, Md. A health alert is issued over the rapid spread of Lyme disease in Carroll County. The concern is so serious that health officials are now calling it a mini-epidemic.
Kathryn Brown reports this is a concern for everyone in Carroll County. The number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease is expected to nearly double this year, and it can be a serious, even deadly, disease.
Five-year-old Juliette is fine now, but it's been a rough couple of months. Several weeks ago when she was playing outside, a tick latched onto her back.
That tick was carrying Lyme disease and passed it on to Juliette. Juliette's mom, Christina Vides, knew a "bullseye" mark is a telltale sign of Lyme disease.
She took her daughter to see a doctor right away. Luckily, they caught it very early.
"She told us it was classic Lyme disease and gave us antibiotics for about three weeks," said Vides.
Juliette's not alone. Her mom and baby brother have both been bitten by ticks this summer. It's part of what health officials are now calling "an epidemic" of Lyme disease.
"We will be well over 300 cases by Dec. 1," said Debbie Middleton from the Carroll County Health Department.
That's compared to less than 200 last year. Health officials aren't sure why there are so many more cases this year. They attribute it to everything from the woods to the weather.
Signs of Lyme disease include fever-like symptoms, muscle pains, and respiratory infections. If caught early, it's treatable. But if not, it can cause severe cardio, arthritic and neurological damage.
Christine is thankful she caught it in time, and Juliette has learned a lesson she won't soon forget.
Health experts say if you or your kids play outside near the woods, you should wear a long-sleeved shirt tucked into long pants and a hat.
(� MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
posted
I got bitten in Montgomery County, MD. But I definitely saw doctors in Mont. County, PG County, Howard County, and Carroll County. It took 6 months to get diagnosed.
Posts: 17 | From MD | Registered: Aug 2007
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lymeladyinNY
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10235
posted
I watched the video for this story and the mother has a BAD case of Bell's palsy!
They don't even discuss her appearance in the story!
I thought that was a bit strange.
I got Lymed in Frederick County, Maryland.
-------------------- I want to be free Posts: 1170 | From Endicott, NY | Registered: Sep 2006
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posted
***"She told us it was classic Lyme disease and gave us antibiotics for about three weeks," said Vides."***
Good luck with that!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Cobweb
Unregistered
posted
Rather frustrating to watch this video clip.
The little girl was cute beyond adorable though.
My heart goes out to the mother.Her face, and look of sadness, will haunt me as I go to sleep tonight. Such obvious bells palsy. She and the infant were both bit-yet they don't talk about their treatment.
I'd say this clip needs some feedback-which I may be able to deal with tomorrow.
Overall , not a good source of information, but at least a warning for people to be aware.
Did I hear right-the anchor man telling everyone to tuck their sleeves into their socks?
posted
I finally got the video to work... I HATE HATE HATE ANY mention of the bull's eye. That's probably my #1 Lyme peeve.
Whenever I first mention Lyme to someone the questions are ALWAYS
How'd you get that? From a tick? How'd you get bitten by a tick? Did you get a rash?
YES it IS an identifier of the disease, but if people think that you ONLY have Lyme if you have a rash, then people will continue to be miseducated and misunderstanding of the disease. Not to mention misdiagnosed.
I also don't like when people say "Lyme's disease." That's the #2 peeve....
Anyway....I wonder if the increase in Lyme is because it's just getting reported more, or if more people are actually getting bitten? Not sure how they quantify things like that.
Posts: 17 | From MD | Registered: Aug 2007
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