BACTERIA

Lyme disease transmission, the answers to all your questions!

Lyme disease is an infectious disease that can be very dangerous. It develops over a period of years through three distinct phases. As time goes by, its symptoms become more numerous and more severe. It is imperative to treat it as soon as possible to avoid certain complications that may be neurological. This disease, although it is not well known, is starting to be talked about. The literature on it is very extensive in Canada. Nevertheless, there are still many questions about the transmission of Lyme disease. In this article, you will find all the answers to the most frequently asked questions on this subject.

Who can get Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick infected with the bacterium called Borrelia. This type of tick is mainly found in wooded and humid areas such as forests, swamps and fields with tall grass. As a result, this infectious pathology of bacterial origin mainly affects people who engage in certain hobbies and occupations. This is the case for hunters, forest walkers, game wardens, veterinarians and farmers. However, you can still get Lyme disease even if you live in the city. The small animals that carry Lyme disease can live in city parks. Just being bitten can greatly increase your risk of getting Lyme disease.

When you have to carry out an activity in areas that may be infested with ticks, remember to protect yourself. Also, be aware that these small blood-sucking insects are particularly active during the spring through early fall.

How do infected ticks spread this infectious disease?

Ticks are not systematically infected with Borrelia burgdorferi. In fact, they get this bacterium by feeding on the blood of certain infected birds and rodents. Once infected, ticks carry the bacteria in question in their abdomen. And when they feed again, these bacteria move up to the salivary glands and are injected into the blood of the new host. This is how an infected tick can transmit the bacteria into the human bloodstream by biting it.

Is the tick the only vector for this disease?

Infected ticks are not the only insect vectors of Lyme disease. Indeed, this infection can perfectly well be transmitted by all blood-sucking insects. However, these cases are very rare and account for less than 1% of people suffering from the disease.

Is Lyme disease transmitted by contact?

Do you have a loved one with Lyme disease and are you afraid of contracting it yourself? It's perfectly legitimate to worry about his health. However, you need to know that Lyme disease is not a disease that can be spread by casual contact. Under no circumstances can touching, kissing, kissing or touching the sick person or their belongings make you sick. You should also be aware that there is currently no evidence that Lyme disease is transmitted from person to person.

What about blood transfusion?

Research on the transmission of Lyme disease by blood transfusion is still limited. However, it is always important to speak to a health care professional when you have any doubts. And if you are a blood donor, but you have this condition, don't hesitate to ask the people in charge of the blood bank where you usually donate.

Can a pregnant woman transmit Lyme disease to her fetus?

Again, there is a lack of research and scientific literature. What is certain is that Lyme disease can cause too many complications during pregnancy. So it is not certain that you will pass the disease on to your child. However, your pregnancy may become a high-risk pregnancy. If you are bitten by a tick during your pregnancy, it is strongly recommended that you consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will have plenty of time to remove the tick before it completely transmits all the bacteria to you. Note that even if an infected tick bites you, it takes 24 hours for the transmission of bacteria in the bloodstream to take place.

Is Lyme disease transmitted through breastfeeding?

You've just given birth and decided to breastfeed your baby. But for some time now, you have not been feeling well and have gone to see your doctor. The verdict came down, you have Lyme disease. It is perfectly normal to be concerned about the health of your baby you are breastfeeding. You should know that no case of Lyme disease transmission through breastfeeding has been reported to date. However, it is important to take all the necessary precautions to protect your baby.