[pct-l] Ticks and lyme disease

[Susan Alcorn]

Just happens that I recently visited the CDC (Center for Disease Control) site and gathered some stats on incidence of Lyme Disease. By far the greatest number of cases are occurring in the Northeast -- Pennsylvania had 4,950 confirmed cases in 2009; California had 117, Oregon 12, Washington 1. Site also says they are most active April-Sept. - when weather is warmer.

The CDC gives several suggestions (good luck with some of these!)
1) wear light-colored clothing; 
2) stay in the middle of the trail to avoid brushing against overhanging shrubs and out of leaf litter; 
3) use DEET or Permethrin;
4) do a tick check at least daily;
5) shower soon after "exposure"

You can find out more at http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/

I've only had 1 tick latch onto me in my 70 years and that wasn't on the PCT!
Cheers,
Susan Alcorn 
 
Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, CA 
www.backpack45.com and backpack45.blogspot.com
http://www.examiner.com/hiking-in-san-francisco/susan-alcorn
Publishers of two award-winning books: Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago and We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill: Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers.