If not treated promptly, it and other tick-borne illness, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Rabbit Fever, can severely damage joints, the heart and the nervous system. The diseases can be fatal if they go untreated or if the treatment comes too late. Julie Rawlings, an epidemiologist with the Texas Department of Health, says there have been cases of Lyme disease reported all over Texas that meet the Centers for Disease Control definition of the disease. In Texas, the bacterial infection is spread by the Lone Star tick, which lives on grass in ranch country, around parks and lakes, but not in urban backyards, unless transported there by a pet. Because of the years mild winter, the Texas Department of Health expects reports of cases to continue through the fall.
Protection is the best prevention.
A Lyme disease vaccine is available for persons ages 15 to 70. Keep fleas and ticks off pets, and dont bring stray animals into the house or yard. In going to areas where ticks might be prevalent, use an appropriate insect repellent. Check frequently for ticks. To remove a tick, use tweezers and grasp it at the skin surface.