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Apple Valley Medical Center Physicians Warn of Lyme Disease Risk

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 May 2008, 15:00 CDT

As tick season approaches, the physicians at the Apple Valley Medical Center are warning community members to watch for signs of Lyme disease, an illness spread by the tiny deer tick.

"Lyme disease can be serious," said David Maas, M.D., Apple Valley Medical Clinic family physician and medical director of the 24-hour Urgent Care. "Symptoms generally include fever, headache, fatigue and a circular skin rash that can begin anywhere from three to 30 days after a tick bite. This rash often expands over a week's time and can reach a size of 12 inches in diameter. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system, resulting in arthritis, severe headache, heart palpitations and cognitive disorders." Fortunately, most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics, if the disease is caught early.

Dr. Maas urges prevention when it comes to Lyme disease. "People who live near woods or have outdoor pets that come indoors are particularly susceptible to encounters with ticks," he said. "Woodpiles, birdbaths and treehouses are also high-risk factors for ticks." Ticks don't fly, jump or drop from trees. They live in vegetation and wait for an animal or human to pass by, so they can crawl up the skin. Ticks generally wander on the body for up to 60 minutes before they burrow into the skin.

"Anyone who suspects he or she has received a tick bite should contact a doctor for verification and possible treatment," said Dr. Maas. "If it is after hours, or individuals cannot make an appointment with their regular physician, we encourage them to visit our Urgent Care Center, which is open 24 hours a day."

The Minnesota Department of Health reported 1,200 cases of Lyme disease in 2007, an increase from an average of 900 to 1,000 during past years. The majority of cases occur in June, July and August.

The Apple Valley Medical Center includes the independent Apple Valley Medical Clinic of 14 family practice physicians, serving patients from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., five days a week. In addition, there is a 24-hour Urgent Care Center and 20 specialty physicians seeing patients through the United Specialty Center. Specialists on the campus provide services in allergy; cardiology; colon and rectal surgery; dermatology; ear, nose and throat; general surgery; low back & neck care; neurology; ob/gyn; ophthalmology; orthopedics; plastic surgery, podiatry and urology. The center also houses United Medical Imaging for digital mammography, ultrasound, CT and MRI scans; a full-service pharmacy; and physical medicine and rehabilitation care through Integrated Medical Rehabilitation.

Source: Business Wire

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