Lyme disease is an illness usually caused by the bite of an infected deer tick and can occur year-round. The ticks are found in wooded and grassy areas near bodies of water across the United States. To prevent tick bites, wear protective clothing and use insect repellent when working outdoors. Symptoms of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms and a circular or oblong rash. If bitten by a tick or experiencing symptoms, contact a doctor as early treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious health issues.

1. Construction Safety Talks
Lyme Disease Persons whose work requires them to be outdoors, particularly in
wooded or grassy areas or near bodies of water where ticks are
No. 65 found, should be concerned about Lyme disease. Lyme disease is
usually caused by the painless bite of an infected deer tick, and
should be considered a year-round threat. A few cases have also
How This Talk been caused by biting flies.
Applies To My
Crew:
The ticks are found on many animals, including household pets
that go outdoors. In the spring, the ticks are almost invisible, but
they are larger and easier to find in the fall. The majority of Lyme
disease cases have been concentrated in the New England
states, New York, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. However, cases
have been reported in almost every state.
Prevention: If you spend time outdoors where ticks may be
found, you should wear sturdy shoes, long pants tucked into
socks, and light colored clothing with long sleeves. Once returning
indoors, check all persons, including children and pets, for ticks.
The greatest protection against mosquito and tick bites is
provided by wearing protective clothing treated with Permanone
Tick Repellent and using the insect repellent called "DEET" on
exposed skin. Permanone Tick Repellent is sold in lawn and
garden or sports stores. DEET is sold under several brand labels
and is widely available. It should be used sparingly as per the
label instructions.
Symptoms: Lyme Disease can resemble other illnesses. In the
early stages it may be mistaken for flu with symptoms of
headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, or fatigue. Within three days
to three weeks after being bitten, most people infected will get a
rash at the site of the bite or elsewhere. This rash may be circular
or oblong, affecting one specific area or numerous areas over the
body. The early symptoms often disappear. However, later on,
serious health problems can occur without antibiotic treatment.
Therefore, if you know you have been bitten by a tick, or if you
have any one or a combination of the above symptoms, contact
your doctor. Treatment generally involves taking an antibiotic.
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2. To Remove a Tick: Grasp tick with fine tweezers, as close to the skin as possible, and
gently pull it out. Disinfect the area, your hands, and the tweezers. Don't crush the tick
with your fingers. Do not burn or prick it, or suffocate it with petroleum jelly or nail
polish. Wrap tick in several tissues and flush it down the toilet.
Information: For additional information, contact the Lyme Borreliosis Foundation, P.O.
Box 462, Tolland, CT, 06084 or http://www.lyme.org/ The Community Education tab
offers a downloadable brochure. Or for a free brochure send a self-addressed stamped
business size envelope to: LDF One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT. 06103. They also
support a Lyme Disease hotline, 800-886-LYME, answered 24 hours a day.
Attended by : _______________ ________________ _______________
_______________ ________________ _______________
_______________ ________________ _______________
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The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
© 2004 Liberty Mutual Group – All Rights Reserved 2