Lyme disease is closely linked to trips to the countryside or areas where ticks are present, as it is contracted after being bitten by a tick infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, but there are increasingly more cases of Lyme disease in cities.
Ticks are becoming increasingly common in green areas of cities, especially in neighborhoods where rabbits are prevalent. Only a tiny percentage of these arachnids carry the infection, but if we are bitten by a tick or have been exposed in a risk area, we must take precautions because if not treated early, the disease can cause serious complications, especially in the early disseminated and late stages of Lyme disease. If detected in the early localized stage, treatment is much more effective and the symptoms and their effects on the body are better controlled.
What we must assume is that the spread of this bacterium in tick colonies has increased the danger exponentially, and that, particularly in the spring months, we must take extra precautions in green areas, especially if we visit these places with young children, who run around in tall grass or do somersaults on the lawn. When returning home, it is important to check all of the children's clothing and limbs, and we should opt for long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, because it is much easier to spot ticks wandering around on a white fabric.
We must also be careful if we have pets, as dogs are often the victims of this arachnid. We should buy tick repellent for pets, or put a collar on them to repel all kinds of insects and arachnids.
In short, we cannot even escape Lyme disease in the city or far from livestock farms. It is a multi-systemic infection that can lead to serious and debilitating illness if not treated properly.
If you have doubts about whether you have been in contact with ticks or have been bitten in the city or in another rural area, then it is best to get tested. At Biosalud Day Hospital, we are specialists in Lyme testing in Spain, and every day we perform dozens of tests to look for signs of this infection.
Once the test has been performed and the samples analyzed, we will be able to diagnose Lyme disease. Early diagnosis is essential because treatment for Lyme disease is much more effective and patients experience more noticeable and lasting improvements.
The best way to tackle the emerging problem of Lyme disease in the city is through public awareness and education.
