BACTERIA

Update on Lyme Disease in Children

Lyme disease, although its prevalence is minimal, is a condition that can be very serious. However, it is quite common in North America, particularly in Canada. Transmitted to humans by ticks, this disease can have adverse health effects. In fact, it can lead to neurological complications. It can affect children, youth and adults alike. But what happens when this disease affects children? The following paragraphs will help you take stock of what you need to remember about Lyme disease in children.

What causes Lyme disease?

As mentioned above, this condition occurs as a result of an infected tick bite. Thus, not all ticks can transmit Lyme disease to humans, but only those infected with a spirochete bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. This is the reason why Lyme disease is also called "Lyme borreliosis". The primary hosts of the tick species infected with the bacterium are usually small mammals and rodents such as mice. There are also birds and deer. Pets, such as dogs, can also contract the disease while carrying infected ticks inside homes.

Since infected ticks are the only ones that can transmit the disease to humans, it goes without saying that people going to areas infested by this insect are more likely to catch it. Ticks cannot fly or jump. Thus, those who venture into bushes, tall grass or wooded areas are most susceptible to this disease. And children are particularly vulnerable because they cannot watch out for ticks in such places. In addition, ticks are very difficult to detect because of their size.

How does this disease manifest itself in children?

Because it is a single bacterium, Lyme disease has the same symptoms in both children and adults. However, it usually occurs in young children between the ages of 5 and 9. As for the impact of Lyme disease contracted by a pregnant woman on the fetus, no abnormalities or diseases have been reported to date.

In children, the stages of Lyme disease are the same as in adults.

This phase of Lyme disease in children is characterized by the presence of erythema migrans. This is a rash surrounding the part bitten by the tick. This is one of the most common signs of Lyme disease in very young children. These skin lesions usually appear within 14 days of the tick bite. They do not cause any pain or itching. However, the child may experience fever, headache, stiff neck and malaise.

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This stage of the disease corresponds to the occurrence of multiple skin lesions. In addition to these symptoms, children with Lyme disease are also prone to acute neurological manifestations such as facial paralysis. Lymphocytic meningitis and papilledema may also occur during this second stage of the disease.

This is the third and final phase of Lyme disease in both children and adults. It occurs when the first two stages have not been treated properly with antimicrobial treatments. In the late stage, the symptoms of this disease are arthritis, peripheral neuropathy and damage to the central nervous system. However, the latter symptom is very rare in children.

What to do when a child gets a tick bite?

Since Lyme disease can progress without symptoms for a long time, the best way to prevent it is to take care of your little ones. If a child ever gets bitten by a tick, the tick must be  removed. Be aware that the tick can cling to the skin and feed on the blood of its host for up  to five days. In any case, if you can remove it within 36 hours of the bite, you can prevent the disease. You can use flat tweezers or special tweezers to remove the tick. If you are unable to do this, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

How can Lyme disease in children be prevented?

Since the child may not pay attention when walking in the forest for example, it is up to adults to make sure that they are not bitten by a tick. To do this, follow these tips: