SAN FRANCISCO, June 2, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Prepared for summer? California Lyme Disease Association (CALDA) launched a new website, www.lymedisease.org, providing essential information regarding the prevention and treatment of Lyme Disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks that left untreated can lead to debilitating and life-threatening complications.
"Many people have the mistaken impression that Lyme disease is only a problem in a few areas of the country, primarily in the east," says Phyllis Mervine, president of CALDA. "Unfortunately, that's not true. Lyme-carrying ticks have been found in all 50 states and in more than 50 countries. People need to learn how to protect themselves and their children."
According to Mervine, Lyme disease is a complex, multisystem illness. Early signs of infection may include rash and flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. As it progresses, Lyme disease can invade multiple organs of the body, including the brain and nervous system. Patients can become increasingly disabled over time, suffering chronic pain, neurological impairment, and a host of other serious symptoms.
The disease is carried by Ixodes ticks, also called deer ticks. Immature ticks-nymphs-can be found in low, moist vegetation such as leaf litter and on tree trunks, and are as tiny as poppy seeds. Adult ticks are often found on the tips of grasses and shrubs. Both can transmit the illness.
"Since ticks hitch rides on deer, squirrels, rodents, birds and even family pets, they could be just about anywhere," Mervine says. "When you spend time outdoors, you need to take protective measures."
The website offers many educational resources, including downloadable brochures, proper ways to remove ticks, risk maps, links to government databases and scientific studies about tick-borne diseases -- as well as information in Spanish. There is also information about CALDA's free online newsletter, its quarterly journal the Lyme Times, and Lyme patient support groups.
"People need to do careful 'tick checks' and promptly remove any ticks they find after spending time outdoors -- even if just mowing your lawn," Mervine says. "Nymphal ticks are especially easy to miss. Children can be particular vulnerable to the devastating effects of Lyme Disease, as they may pull a tick off their body and not think to tell their caregivers -- it's essential parents educate themselves regarding all aspects of the disease."
CALDA is a non-profit corporation acting as the central voice for all tick-borne disease issues in California and a supporting voice for national issues. Through research, advocacy, and education of the public and healthcare professionals, CALDA seeks to prevent tick-borne diseases, encourage early diagnosis, and improve the quality of healthcare provided to people with tick-borne diseases.