1.
According to the CDC, Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-borne, infectious disease in the United States. (A vector-borne disease is one that is transmitted to people by blood-sucking insects and arachnids such as mosquitoes, fleas and ticks)
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
True. The number of cases reported annually has increased nearly 25-fold since national surveillance began in 1982. The CDC estimates that there are 25,000 new cases a month across the country.
2.
Lyme disease is transmitted to people by infected ticks. Ticks are most active in:
Correct Answer
D. Spring and Summer
Explanation
Spring and Summer. Ticks are most active between March and October. They are hardest to spot in the spring when they’re in their tiny nymph stage. Onset of the disease is most common in June and July but cases have been reported during every month of the year, even during the dead of winter.
3.
The harsh winter we had likely reduced the tick population
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False (probably). According to local experts and recent studies, exceptionally cold snowy winters have little, if any, effect on the tick population.
4.
Tick bites:
Correct Answer
C. Usually can't be felt
Explanation
Usually can't be felt. Ticks numb your skin with their saliva at the point of attachment. Therefore, their bites often go unnoticed.
5.
The best way to remove a tick that’s embedded in your skin is:
Correct Answer
D. Use tweezers
Explanation
Use tweezers. It is best if they are fine point, then grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull it straight out using firm, steady pressure.
6.
What is the best way to prevent a tick bite?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The best way to prevent a tick bite is to take multiple precautions. Using insect repellant with DEET can help repel ticks. Wearing long sleeves and pants tucked into socks can prevent ticks from reaching the skin. Checking the body regularly for ticks, especially in common hiding spots like armpits, groin, scalp, belt line, neck, and head, can help remove ticks before they bite. Therefore, all of the above options are effective ways to prevent tick bites.
7.
What does an engorged deer tick look like?
Correct Answer
C. Greyish body with a black head and legs
Explanation
Greyish body with a black head and legs. Deer ticks that are not engorged look like the description in choice A (black or red with a black spot), but once they become engorged, their entire body takes on a grey hue.
8.
What are the most common early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?
Correct Answer
C. Expanding reddish rash and flu-like symptoms
Explanation
Expanding reddish rash and flu-like symptoms. Some, but not all, patients develop what is commonly referred to as a “bulls-eye” rash as the bacteria spreads from the point of contact. Other early symptoms can be mild and easily overlooked. They include joint pains, chills, fever and fatigue.
9.
Lyme disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood test
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The above statement is highly controversial. Doctors can sometimes make a diagnosis simply by observing the bulls-eye rash. If there is no rash or your doctor wants further confirmation of the diagnosis, a blood test may be performed, but the accuracy of the test has been called into question by many Lyme organizations.
10.
If Lyme disease is not caught early, it can progress into a very serious illness with symptoms including:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
All of the above. If left untreated, late-stage Lyme can become a debilitating disease that affects virtually every system of the body. Like Syphilis, Lyme disease has been called the great imitator because the symptoms are so broad and can vary greatly from patient to patient.