Lyme disease is a sneaky illness passed to humans through tick bites. While anyone can get it, kids seem to be particularly prone. Cases are on the rise in many parts of the U.S. and Europe. So it’s really important for parents to get clued in.
This article will give you the lowdown on Lyme disease in children. We’ll cover:
- Where Lyme disease rates are highest
- How it makes kids sick
- Why some ages get it more than others
- How to protect your family
We’ll also share findings from a big new study on Lyme disease in kids across the globe [1]. Let’s get started!
Hot Spots for Lyme Disease in Kids
The recent research found high rates of Lyme disease in kids in these regions:
- Northeast, north-central, and Pacific coastal U.S.
- Parts of Eastern, Northern, and Western Europe
But here’s an important point – Lyme disease risk really depends on where you live specifically. Areas with lots of woods and tall grass are tick havens.
How Lyme Disease Progresses in Phases
When a tick passes Lyme bacteria to humans, the illness happens in three phases:
- Early localized – Starts 3-30 days after a bite. Causes fatigue, chills, rash.
- Early disseminated – Next few weeks to months. Brings facial paralysis, dizziness, nerve issues.
- Late disseminated – After a few months. Leads to joint swelling, lingering nerve problems.
The early phases are when kids need quick treatment.
Elementary School Kids at Highest Risk
The research found that ages 5-9 get the most Lyme disease cases globally. This is likely because this age group plays outside more often and in riskier ways. They need extra tick precautions.
Protecting Your Family from Ticks
The #1 defense is avoiding tick bites when playing outside. How?
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing with pants tucked into socks. Also use bug spray.
- Stick to cleared trails. Skip dense woods and brush where ticks live.
- Check all over for ticks daily – don’t forget behind knees, underarms, and in hair. Remove any immediately.
- Take a nice hot shower after outdoor play to wash off stray ticks.
And if your child develops any Lyme disease symptoms after a tick bite, call the doctor right away. Early treatment is so important!
Answers to Common Questions
How exactly do ticks spread Lyme disease? Ticks get infected by feeding on mice, deer and other animals who carry the bacteria. Then they pass it on when biting humans.
What’s the best way to remove a tick? Use thin tweezers to grab where the tick enters the skin. Pull up slowly but firmly. Don’t twist or crush the tick’s body.
Is there a vaccine to prevent Lyme disease? Not yet, but scientists are working on new vaccines now after a prior one got pulled in 2002. Fingers crossed!
Can pets like dogs also get Lyme from ticks? Absolutely. Watch for limping, fever, and tiredness in dogs after tick exposure. Vets can suggest treatments and tick protection.
Does Lyme disease spread between people? Nope, fortunately Lyme bacteria are only transmitted through infected tick bites, not by person-to-person contact. Phew!
We hope this overview gives you some good intel on how to keep your family tick-free and Lyme-free. Just take caution outdoors, do daily tick checks, and know the symptoms. With a bit of vigilance, you can keep those pesky ticks from raining on your parade!
Reference
[1] Shafquat, M., Angulo, F. J., Pilz, A., Moïsi, J. C., & Stark, J. H. (2023). The Incidence of Lyme Borreliosis Among Children. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 42(10), 867-874. https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0000000000004040
