Think there is no Lyme disease in Georgia? You may want to think again after you read this story of a Gwinnett, Georgia resident and her ordeal with this mysterious disease.

“If someone tells you Lyme disease doesn’t exist in Georgia, don’t believe them,” says Karen Huppertz, a Gwinnett, Georgia resident whose daughter battled the mysterious disease for years. It began with vertigo and swollen knees. She complained of headaches, low-grade fevers and abdominal pain that was oddly specific. All of these warning signs of Lyme disease, but her daughter never reported the signature bullseye rash most Lyme disease patients get around the bite mark.

Karen brought her daughter to one specialist after the next, hoping for a diagnosis that would lead them to a cure. But after blood work, CT scans, MRIs, lumbar puncturing and a number of other uncomfortable procedures, where her teenage daughter was poked and prodded, they were no closer to a solution than when they first began.

Headaches and fevers progressed into more serious neurological symptoms. Problems like numbness in her arms and legs, blurred vision, insomnia, and short-term memory loss. Though her daughter had aspirations to press forward and continue with college, everything had to come to a grinding halt. She had even begun asking about getting a wheelchair.

While doctors began to consider multiple sclerosis, Karen scoured the internet for answers, and came across the controversial disease known as Lyme disease. Not controversial because scientists or doctors questioned its existence, but that they didn’t believe it existed in the South. They had finally found the answer they were looking for. Now, after two years of treatment, Karen’s daughter is symptom-free. Now, she continues to spread the word about Lyme disease in Georgia.

Dr. Andrew Pugliese, a specialist who treats patients in Gwinnett and North Fulton says, “Lyme disease is very prevalent in Georgia, but highly under diagnosed.”

Help Karen and others spread the word about Lyme disease in Georgia. No one should ever have to watch their child suffer for 8 years with an illness that could be treated successfully with antibiotics.

Hopefully, Karen and her daughter’s ordeal is over, but the threat in Georgia still remains. Protect your home and your family from deer tick diseases by wearing proper clothing when you walk in the woods or in tall grass, and by getting a tick treatment for your yard from the professionals here at Active Pest Control. Let our family help to protect yours from ticks, mosquitoes and other pests with one our residential pest control programs. Don’t delay, contact us today!

You’ve probably heard many times that you need to watch out for ticks because you’ll get Lyme disease. Is this really true? If so, how bad is it to get Lyme disease? Are my limbs going to fall off? Let’s take a look at the hysteria and controversy surrounding Lyme disease, and examine some practical ways you can protect yourself and your family.

The truth about Lyme disease.

First of all, not everyone who gets bitten by a tick develops Lyme disease. Though many ticks carry the harmful bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) that causes Lyme disease, they are not guaranteed to have it. So, if you find a tick on you, don’t panic.

Another misconception is that everyone who gets Lyme disease gets the chronic kind that can last for years–and even a lifetime. The truth is, each of us reacts to this bacteria in a different way. For some, there is no visible reaction. Others may experience a round bullseye rash, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. But after three weeks of antibiotics, all symptoms go away.

There is, however, a percentage of people who experience stronger symptoms that can last for years, and even a lifetime. This is usually in people who do not receive antibiotic treatments. In fact, 60% of people not treated develop recurring attacks of arthritis. And, on average 15% of people not treated develop chronic arthritis. Lyme disease can also lead to neurological problems which manifest as numbness in the hands and feet, shooting pains, and short-term memory loss.

Who is at risk of Lyme disease?

• People who spend a lot of time in high grass risk greater exposure to ticks.
• People who hike in wooded areas.
• Children and young adults are more likely to get Lyme disease.

Prevention

• If you find a tick on you, use a tick removal kit, tweezers or pliers to get the entire tick out. It takes 24-48 hours for a Lyme disease producing amount of Borrelia burgdorferi to enter the body. Catching ticks early can prevent this disease.
• Keeping the grass cut in your yard will reduce tick populations.
• Regular tick treatments from a pest professional can fully eliminate ticks.
• Wear insect repellent when traveling in the woods or tall grass. Put your pants inside your socks. Wear light clothing so ticks can be easily seen. And, wear a hat.

So, is Lyme disease a big deal? It can be, for some. But of all the tips mentioned here, it is important to note that you’re going to be mostly safe if you simply check for ticks and remove them early. There is no need for hysteria–well, not yet anyway. But it is a good idea to stay vigilant. It is also a good idea to protect what you can protect. Keep your yard safe and be cautious when visiting friends and family. If you do this, you should be fine.

Contact us for more information on ticks in Georgia and Active Pest Control‘ pest control services for ticks.