LYME

DISEASE
IDE 20.3 Climate Change and Public Health
LYME DISEASE
or rather Lyme borreliosis is a
disease caused by spirochetal
bacteria named Borrelia
burgdorferi
Four main species: B. burgdorferi,
B. bavariensis, B. afzelii and B.
garinii
Transmitted to human by
blacklegged ticks
SYMPTOMS
Early signs and symptoms
1. Fever, chills, headache, fatigue,
muscle and joint aches, and swollen
lymph nodes may occur in the
absence of rash
SYMPTOMS
Later signs and symptoms
Severe headaches and neck stiffness
Additional EM rashes on other areas of the
body
Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop
on one or both sides of the face)
Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling,
particularly the knees and other large
joints.
Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles,
joints, and bones
Heart palpitations or an irregular heart beat
(Lyme carditis)
Episodes of dizziness or shortness of
breath
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Nerve pain
Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the
hands or fee
TRANSMISSION
Mostly common in northern temperature zones (USA and
European countries)
USA highest recorded case from June to August
Risk factors for infection are leisure activities, location of
residence and occupation that comes into contact with
woodland habitats.
Greatest infection occurs during the period of Spring, Summer
and Fall
PREVENTION
Ticks attached to the lower leg and feet as you walk and then crawls
into a body where they will burrow.
Tick repellant
Dress for protection
Check for ticks
Drugs like antibiotics
CLIMATE CHANGE ON TICK VECTORS
Extreme temperature can kill ticks directly.
Low humidity is lethal for ticks if they cannot find
refuge to rehydrate.
Heavy rainfall generally inhibits host-seeking
activity.
Duration of development of ticks from one stage
to the next (Higher temperature=shorter life
cycle)
CLIMATE CHANGE ON DISEASE INCIDENCE
Expansion in geographical areas in which the ticks can
survive that can lead to more people having contact with
infected risks.
Ideal habitat for ticks is a humidity of 85% and
temperature of higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit
Acceleration and prolonged of developmental cycle
Warmers winters increase survivability of its popular host
(white-footed mouse)
For questions and inquiries
please send us a message on
mmc@xu.edu.ph or the XU-
MMC's Facebook Page
(McKeough Marine Center).