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No Warranties or Representations
Lyme Disease symptoms vary from person to person. (lymes disease lyme's disease lime disease limes disease)
The data and information presented in this web site are presented in good faith and believed to be accurate regarding Lyme disease (commonly misspelled lymes disease lyme's disease lime disease limes disease) and other related diseases. Any and all liability for the content or any omissions including any inaccuracies, errors, or misstatements in such data or information is expressly disclaimed. The web site is compiled for the sole purpose of informing community members of resources and information pertaining to Lyme Borreliosis Disease and its coinfections. Lyme disease symptoms may vary from person to person.
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Consult a qualified Lyme ( Borreliosis ) Disease literate doctor for medical advice if Lyme Disease is suspect to discuss your Lymes Disease Symptoms.
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From The Winnipeg Free Press
Woman forced to demand blood test for Lyme disease
A local woman who developed the telltale Lyme disease "bull's-eye" rash had to demand a special blood test after she was told by a doctor the disease doesn't exist in Winnipeg.
Arlene Reid, 54, said her son's fianc ©e, who happens to be a medical student, noticed the circular red rash associated with deer tick bites on the back of her thigh at the end of June.
Reid immediately saw a doctor at ACCESS Transcona clinic but was told she couldn't have Lyme disease if she hadn't recently visited Buffalo Point -- an area in southeastern Manitoba where ticks known to carry Lyme disease-causing bacteria reside.
ACCESS Transcona is a community-based primary care clinic run by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, with funding from the province.
Recently, disease surveillance from Winnipeg's National Microbiology Laboratory has confirmed deer ticks are spreading to communities across Manitoba and the risk of getting bitten by an infected deer tick is on the rise.
Dr. Susan Roberecki, Manitoba's deputy chief medical officer of health, said seven clinical cases of Lyme disease have already been reported in July.
Between 10 and 12 per cent of deer ticks found outside the southeastern corner of Manitoba are estimated to be infected with Lyme disease-causing bacteria.
The percentage is considerably higher in the Buffalo Point area.
Reid said she had to demand a blood test to check for Lyme disease-causing bacteria and was frustrated the clinic had to phone various city labs, since they were uncertain who actually performs the specialized test.
A doctor prescribed her a common antibiotic as a precaution, but warned Reid the blood test might not accurately detect if she were infected with the bacteria anyway.
"They were adamant in saying that unless I'd been to Buffalo Point or in Lake of the Woods somewhere, that it couldn't be Lyme disease," Reid said.
"Then they said even if they do the blood test, there are so many false negatives that even if it does come back negative it could still be a positive test -- you still could've had the disease."
Roberecki said the province has faxed updated information to all physicians so they are aware the risk of being bitten by an infected deer tick exists across Manitoba.
Roberecki said the province has also asked physicians to report cases that look like Lyme disease -- including patients who appear with a bulls-eye rash, nausea or headache -- and treat them with antibiotics to prevent the onset of serious disease.
She said health officials are working to improve communication with doctors about Lyme disease, and are also enhancing Manitoba's Lyme disease website along with putting notices about the disease in physician newsletters.
"We're trying to get the word out that there's a possibility of contracting Lyme disease anywhere in Manitoba," Roberecki said.
"The risk is much lower (than Buffalo Point), but it's still there. It's not zero because we've found the ticks."
Roberecki said the black-legged bugs have been found in multiple parts of the province, including many that tested positive for Lyme disease bacteria. She said it takes about 24 hours for an infected tick to pass along the bacteria and that Manitobans should always check themselves for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Reid said she hasn't left Winnipeg recently, and suspects she may have been bitten while pulling weeds in her backyard.
Although her blood test results came back negative at the end of last week, Reid said she's "dead sure" she was infected with Lyme disease and is frustrated doctors have few answers and aren't planning on doing any follow-up.
"They couldn't give me any other answer," Reid said.
jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca
A quick lesson on dreaded deer ticks
What's the difference between a deer tick and a regular wood tick?
If the tick has a white mark on its back, you're fine; it's probably a wood tick. Watch out for small ticks that are about half the size of the regular ones you pull off yourself or your dog.
What should I do if I find a deer tick?
You can remove the tick by pulling upward with steady pressure using tweezers. Clean the area around the tick bite with soap or disinfectant.
Make sure to mark the date you removed the tick on a calendar.
Should I see a doctor?
The risk of catching Lyme disease is reduced if the deer tick is removed within 24 hours. However, if the tick has been feeding on you for longer or you develop a "bull's-eye" rash or experience nausea, headache or other symptoms, you should visit a doctor.
What can happen if I don't get treated right away?
Lyme disease can progress and cause serious chronic complications, including paralysis or cardiac problems.
-- Source: Manitoba Health
© 2008 Winnipeg Free Press. All Rights Reserved.
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