Lyme disease-carrying ticks spotted in eastern Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Health officials say deer ticks that can carry Lyme disease have turned up for the first time in eastern Nebraska.   

“These things can migrate so we’ve been on the lookout for it and this is evidence that these things can move,” State Epidemiologist, Dr. Tom Safranek said. 

State health officials said Tuesday that lab tests are being done to determine whether the deer ticks collected carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

“Lyme disease is specifically adapted to the black legged tick, it’s adapted and worked out a relationship that enables that tick to transmit it to humans,” Safranek said.

The ticks were found in Douglas, Sarpy and Saunders counties.     

Lyme disease can cause fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash. If you are not treated right away, it can spread throughout your body.

“We strongly recommend if you get a bulls eye skin type lesion that you be evaluated by a medical provider and probably get treated by antibiotics,” Safranek said.

Health officials say most people recover completely, although some may be left with joint pain that can be treated with medication.     

Nebraska health officials have yet to confirm any cases of Lyme disease originating in the state.

If you are outdoors, ticks are generally found near the ground, in bushy or wooded areas.

There are easy prevention methods to follow if you are in a tick prone environment. Those include using insect repellent, frequent tick checks and wearing long sleeves.

“These ticks have to remain adherent for a fairly long period of time before they start transmitting that infection so you don’t have to worry if you address that tick bite and remove it shortly after you’ve been exposed,” Safranek said.