Scottish Orienteering

With a twist of Lyme

I’m sure we’ve all had experience of the wee sleekit beastie; but unlike Rabbie Burns, I mean the vampiristic tick! My concern is that too often we do not give them the respect they are due. Many of the ticks in the UK carry a bacteria (Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato) which if transmitted through a bite, can result in Lyme Disease. Fahrer H et al. wrote, in the Scientific Journal of Orienteering in 1993, that in Switzerland more than 40% of Orienteers had positive blood tests for this bacteria. The tests are now far more sensitive so perhaps this research should be repeated! Lyme Disease (LD), if left untreated, can lead to some very grave health problems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of LD can present between 3-30 days after the initial bite and may include cold-like symptoms, muscle and joint pains, swollen lymph glands, and a skin rash called Erythema Migrans( a red circular patch at the site of a bite, usually with a central clear area giving a “Bulls-eye” appearance). Late symptoms include arthritis, heart and nervous system irregularities (e.g. Numbness, meningitis and psychiatric illnesses) and long-term fatigue.

What is a Tick?

For those who aren’t quite sure what a tick is, there is good clear information at www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/ticks.htm . This link also gives information on their life cycle, and how to remove them. The ticks look for a hairy area to initiate feeding (e.g. groin, armpits or scalp) but they also latch onto areas around the waistband as when they can’t go any further they will stop and commence feeding. Perhaps this is the best argument for the newer lycra-type of O-Suits rather than the looser nylons.

Some straightforward measures to reduce your risk include:

Wear full body cover when orienteering. And perhaps tight Gaiters too, will help prevent the upward spread of the ticks.
After your run, change clothing as soon as possible. Steep your O-gear at a high heat for at least 20 minutes before washing, as the ticks cannot survive the constant heat.
Do a thorough search for ticks as soon as possible. It usually takes 24-48 hours of feeding to transmit the infection from the tick, so check, and keep checking daily. I use a device called an O-tom to remove the ticks safely (www.otom.com - available from most Vets and Pet Shops).
Don’t squeeze the body during removal as the tick will vomit bacteria into your bloodstream. For similar reasons, don’t apply Vaseline to it and don’t try and remove it with a flame or meths. Also, don’t leave any mouthparts in the skin.
Use Tick Repellents on clothes and skin.
If you do develop symptoms, then go and see your GP, since when detected early, a one month course of antibiotics can effectively treat the illness.

Recently, there have been very useful and informative discussions on Nopesport, and a simple search in their fora should find these.

In the best tradition of hill street blues - Hey, let’s be careful out there!

Jason Simpson, SOA Sports Science Convenor

Posted by on 12th Nov 06 Filed under: Sports Science

Comments:

An alternative to the Otom hook is now available in the UK.

The easy to use Trix Tick Removal tool is a Swedish invention (from one of the countries where they know about tick problems) and is aimed directly at tick removal on humans and pets.

The device works like a mini lasso and operates by pressing a spring loaded button. Highly rated on the continent with many Doctors and Vetinarians.

The lasso will remove all but the smallest larval ticks in one easy operation. No Pain, and no chemicals.

Posted by Victoria Carter on 07/09 at 09:55 PM