Summer Hiking and Lyme Disease Prevention: Essential Tips for Staying Safe While Enjoying Nature

Introduction

“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.” - John Muir

Few adventures are more synonymous with the glorious summertime than setting foot on the trail and hiking your favorite path or expedition with friends or family. The thrill of new-found routes or stumbling upon epic scenery at the pinnacle of a challenging journey only increases the yearning for the next outing. However, hiking and backcountry mountaineering are not without their potential perils - mountain lions, coyotes, and bears come to mind, but lower on most caution lists is the diminutive tick.

Measuring no larger than a sesame seed, the Western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus), referred to as the common deer tick in other parts of the United States, can cause a bite that may result in just as much concern as an unwary encounter with one of the larger beasts in the woods. Ticks are the most well-known source of the often debilitating infection called Lyme disease, which could stop even the most ardent hiker in their tracks if unaware and not taking precautions against contracting this vector-borne disease. Without taking swift action, hikers may face severe repercussions from this "simple" bug bite.

So what is Lyme disease, what causes it, and what are some signs/symptoms to be aware of?

None of what is written here is meant to deter you from exploring and enjoying the incredible world we live in - especially here in the beautiful Inland Northwest. However, the following is meant to shed some light on this all-too-overlooked condition and dispel several of the common misunderstandings about Lyme disease.

First and foremost, Lyme disease is caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. Although it was coined as a diagnosis concerning cases of juvenile arthritis in and around Lyme, CT, this infectious disease is now known to be transmitted by ticks and affects countless individuals and families across America and around the world.

Common early signs of Lyme disease are the "bullseye rash" or erythema migrans, fever, fatigue, and migrating joint pain, but not everyone bitten by a tick acquires any of these symptoms right away. If not caught, assessed, and treated early, Lyme disease can become increasingly debilitating and much more difficult to treat effectively.

If left untreated or inadequately treated, long-term effects can be multi-systemic and range from severely painful muscle and joint inflammation to chronic, debilitating fatigue, and neurological symptoms that vary widely in their distribution. However, there is hope for treatment and prevention is essential and critical to minimizing the potential impact on your life.

Tick Habitats and Behavior

So where are you most likely to encounter ticks? Generally, they are found within heavily wooded areas, tall grasses, and in leaf litter and debris - laying in wait for a passing host to attach themselves to (whether deer, dog, human, or any other animal). Although ticks are more commonly active during the spring and summer months, they can be found throughout much of the year when conditions are temperate.

Pre-Hike Preparation

It is best to wear long sleeves and long pants of light coloring to aid in spotting the minuscule ticks where they happen to be crawling. Wearing clothing specially treated with permethrin, an insect repellant, has been quite helpful in deterring ticks from pestering you and is generally considered safe for regular use. Likewise, packing a first aid kit, tick removal kit, and additional repellent in your rucksack will be beneficial.

During the Hike

Staying on the marked trails and avoiding areas of tall grass and debris will help you avoid general contact with these parasites. Check for ticks on your clothing regularly when resting in open areas away from the brush. Also, take full advantage of additional barriers like wearing hats, gaiters, and tucking your pantlegs into your socks.

Post-Hike Checks and Actions

As you finish your adventure for the day, complete a full-body tick check after returning from your hike (especially in the warmer and more humid areas of your armpits and groin). Immediately wash and dry your clothes on high heat to kill ticks attached to clothing. Shower right afterward while assessing for any attached ticks. Then monitor for the signs of Lyme disease in the days following your hike.

Removing Ticks Safely

If you find a tick attached, collect your tick removal kit and begin with fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pulling upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid the common errors of twisting, burning, or otherwise irritating the tick in the removal process, which has the undue consequence of increasing the chance of transmission. After removing the tick, place it into a sealable plastic bag or cup and send it to a lab like TickReport or a similar testing facility to assess whether the tick was carrying any infections of note. Then thoroughly clean the bite site with rubbing alcohol, followed by soap and water before contacting a member of your medical care team.

Seeking Medical Attention

While waiting for the report about the tick you sent for testing, contact your physician or a local Lyme-literate physician (commonly referred to as an LLND or LLMD). It is of the utmost importance to begin appropriate treatment right away and document when/where the bite occurred for future reference. Most often the initial treatment is a thoroughly appropriate regimen of antibiotics to reduce the chances of progressive chronic disease.

Conclusion

None of this should provoke fear of the wonderful world we live in but foster awareness and preventative support in case of exposure. The natural world is a beautiful place and should be thoroughly enjoyed and shared within your community experience. Even if you or a loved one were to encounter a tick or a bite, the intent of this article is to instill a measure of precaution and safety awareness but ultimately hope and joy in seeking adventure in the environment shared around us.

**Medical Disclaimer** Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog post.