Re: [at-l] Lyme disease stuff

["W F Thorneloe, MD" <thornel@ibm.net>]

Gary, your was just one of several almost identical messages off line to 
me. I started a panic, it seems.

The advice I've given is based on the following:
While there is deer tick in the mountains, the usual location for risk is 
in lower levels, particularly near water (Lyme River Disease). The vaccine 
requires 2-3 dosages, over several months. It may not prevent disease, but 
does reduce severity. This is still a rare illness, hence my hesitancy in 
recommending to people who don't spend a great deal of time in endemic areas.

Of course, you should discuss with a real world doctor, who can respond far 
better to your individual concerns and questions, as well as the specific 
activities and environment you expect to enjoy. I am personally more 
alarmed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, also tick borne, and much more 
common to Georgia to Virginia. Very nasty and quickly fatal.

OrangeBug
Atlanta, GA



At 03:17 PM 5/11/1999 -0400, Gary Ticknor wrote:
>Why? I pulled 4 tiny ticks off me after my trip to NY this weekend
>(also one big one). I'm as nevous as a cat right now - you would
>think a snake had bitten me or something. What's wrong (please) with
>its use specifically for AT hikers?
>
>                                 .....................
>                                 . Gary from Fairfax .
>                                 .....................
>
>=>
>=>It is a new vaccine. Your doctor will know about it. I am not enthusiastic
>=>regarding it specifically for AT hikers.
>=>
>=>OrangeBug
>=>Atlanta, GA
>

* From the Appalachian Trail Mailing List |  http://www.backcountry.net  *

==============================================================================