TICKS, LYME DISEASE REMAIN THREATS IN FALL

JEFFERSON CITY -- When summer winds down, Missourians once again heed the call of the great outdoors. After weeks of sitting in front of air-conditioners, slurping soda pop and watching TV, the promise of falling temperatures and humidity inspires us to dust off our backpacks, squirrel rifles and fishing poles.

Just don't forget that one summer pest is still out in force -- the tick.

These blood-sucking beasts usually are just an annoyance to people who spend time outdoors. But they can be dangerous; ticks can infect you with several serious diseases. One uncommon but serious tick- borne disease that has received lots of attention lately is Lyme disease. It is a bacterial ailment spread in Missouri by the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum.)

The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) recently was found to be the same species as Ixodes dammini, an Eastern species originally thought to be the only tick carrying Lyme disease.

Despite 102 reported cases of Lyme disease in Missouri in 1994, and 150 in 1993, questions exist about whether Lyme disease actually exists here, said Michael Fobbs, health program representative for the Missouri Department of Health.

Scientists have been unable to culture the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, from a human infected by a bite from a Lone Star tick.

"That is the gold standard," said Fobbs. "Borrelia burgdorferi has been cultured from the bodies of some ticks in Missouri, but not from humans who have been infected by Lone Star ticks. The Centers for Disease Control will recognize Missouri as a Lyme disease state when that has happened."

Symptoms to watch for in the weeks following a tick bite are:

* Swelling at the site of the bite. If lyme disease is present, a rash centered on the bite often begins to develop within a few days. As the rash progresses, the center returns to a normal skin color, forming a bulls-eye pattern.

* Unexplained flu-like symptoms -- fever, headaches, body aches, dizziness.

* Any unusual rash.

Any or none of these symptoms may exist in a person infected with Lyme disease. The second stage of the disease occurs weeks or months after the first infection. In this stage, some people develop heart or nervous system complications. Other symptoms include painful joints, tendons or muscles.

The last stage of the disease is most commonly signaled by chronic arthritis. Repeated attacks of arthritis may occur months to years after the first symptoms appear. Treatment during each stage of Lyme disease involves antibiotic therapy, but the therapy is most effective during the first stages.

Prevention is the best way to deal with Lyme disease. Fobbs gave several measures that can be taken to minimize risk.

* Wear tick repellent.

* Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easily visible.

* Tuck pants into boots, sealing the ankle with tape, and wear long sleeves if possible.

* Check yourself every few hours to make sure you are tick free. It takes 36 hours for a deer tick to transmit the Lyme disease bacterium. You can avoid the disease if you discover ticks before they are full.

Proper removal of imbedded ticks is important to avoid secondary infections resulting from parts of the tick remaining in the skin. The area should first be disinfected with alcohol. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and remove it with a firm, not jerking, outward movement. Dispose of the tick and disinfect the bite.