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                         May 10, 2002

Lyme Disease: Still A Real Threat

Part 2: Education, prevention and care for community members

This summer, as you jog along a scenic West Point trail or play in the yard with your kids, be aware of tiny, frequently-overlooked, bloodthirsty creatures just waiting to hitch a ride on an uncovered leg or arm. These bloodsucking parasites are ravenous, virtually undetectable and may carry Lyme disease.

Yes, I’m talking about ticks. And it’s a subject that should be of interest to everyone at the U.S. Military Academy.

A 1995 Army study of Lyme disease incidents at its military installations listed West Point as being "moderate" for Lyme disease cases. According to MEDDAC officials here, last year one third of all Lyme disease cases nationwide came from New York state, and West Point had the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the Army.

Preventing Lyme disease
Academy officials are taking steps to ensure cadet and soldier safety during field training by providing refresher briefs and treated uniforms. For residents, USMA officials have implemented vegetation control and limited pesticide applications programs.

West Point community members can also do their part towards prevention by following these personal safety tips:

n Wear light-colored clothing. It helps in seeing ticks.

n Tuck pant legs into socks and boots.

n Use repellants containing DEET on skin and clothing.

n Check the scalp, groin, armpit and back-of-knee areas frequently because these are places where ticks often attach.

n Check pets coming in from outdoors.

n Never feed wildlife.

For more information about Lyme, or to schedule a Lyme disease awareness and prevention class, call Community Health Nursing at 938-2676.

If you develop symptoms
It’s not always easy to determine whether or not you’ve been exposed to Lyme disease, but, according to the West Point Community Health Nurse, Lt. Col. Michael Bayles, the appearance of the circular bull’s-eye rash, also known as erythema migrans, is still the most reliable indicator.

"Usually a person with the bulls-eye rash can be immediately diagnosed with Lyme disease," Bayles said.

In some cases, the bull’s-eye rash never forms. Then doctors must rely on other symptoms combined with blood tests to diagnose Lyme disease, Bayles explained. And, he said, those blood tests are very important for proper diagnosis.

"A misdiagnosis of Lyme disease can be troublesome because it may result in failure to recognize a different condition and lead to improper treatment," he said.

Keller Army Community Hospital officials said anyone experiencing the tell-tale "bulls-eye rash," should immediately make an appointment with their doctor. However, officials cautioned, those who have been in woods and dense areas and suddenly develop symptoms such as joint pain or swelling should also seek medical attention.