Town of Bethel Connecticut - Health Department

Bethel Health Department

Lyme Disease and Tick Related Illness
(note tick size relative to the dime shown in the picture)

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by infected black-legged (Deer) ticks. Connecticut is classified as a high risk state for Lyme disease. The nymphal tick, which is the size of a poppy seed, is the most important stage for transmitting the disease. Most human infections occur during May, June and July when nymphs are most abundant; however you can get the illness at other times of the year. The length of time that a nymphal or adult female tick is attached to a person is an important factor in disease transmission. Studies reveal that flat (unengorged) infected nymphs or adult black legged ticks do not transmit the Lyme disease agent until blood is ingested from the person. Early detection and prompt removal of attached ticks is of paramount importance in reducing the risk of infection. Not every deer tick is infected.

Protecting your family from Lyme disease
Take Steps to Prevent Ticks and Associated Illnesses

You can protect yourself using the following tools:

Knowledge of ticks and tick associated illnesses
Recognize Lyme disease and tick associated illness early and seek medical care for effective treatment
Property management to prevent ticks (Ticks cannot live in dry conditions)
Check your pets and make sure they do not carry ticks into your home
Come pick up your free Tick/Lyme Disease Educational Brochures at:

Bethel Health Department
Municipal Center - 1 School St - Bethel, CT

The Bethel Health Department facilitates ongoing tick identification and testing service. Bethel Residents can bring sample ticks into the Bethel Health Department located in the municipal center where the sample will be sent to the Connecticut Agricultural Station for identification. The CT Agricultural Experiment Station accepts all ticks for identification, but only tests those nymphs and/or black legged female adult ticks that have ingested blood.

Click here for a blank Bethel Health Department Tick Submission Form

Instructions for filling out the form:

Please make sure to include the information requested on the form. This information is important in the assessment.
If sending the request for a child, please make sure the child’s name, date of birth and parents/guardians name are included.
Each tick should be placed in a separate zip lock bag. Label each bag with person’s name and the site of the tick bite.
Mark your calendar with the date and site of the tick bite as a reference point.
When the tick analysis report is received, usually 4-6 weeks, the Bethel Health Department will call you with the results. A copy of the report is available at BHD for $.50

Residents who have been exposed to suspected deer ticks should remain vigilant to the presence of any of the Lyme disease symptoms. If symptoms are observed you should contact your physician immediately as early treatment is extremely important.

For Additional Information:

		This State of Connecticut "Lyme Disease Fact Sheet" discusses preventative actions you can take as well as treatment should you become infected. It also describes the proper method for removing ticks.
		American Lyme Disease Foundation website. This very comprehensive site includes a number of photographs which can help you identify deer ticks as well as the characteristic Lyme disease rash.
		Tick Bite Prevention and the use of Insect Repellents. This Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station publication discusses ways you can use clothing to protect yourself from tick bites. It also provides comprehensive information on topically applied insect repellents.
		Managing Ticks on your Property. This Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 2 page publication provides tips on controlling ticks on your property.
		Connecticut Epidemiologist September 2006 Report. This Connecticut Department of Health Report provides a comprehensive status report on Lyme Disease in the State of Connecticut.
		Lyme Disease Facts. This pamphlet published by OSHA provides a solid factual discussion of Lyme Disease in the State of Connecticut.

Key: pdf document; word document; link to outside website

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