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Archiver > MO-CEMETERIES > 2002-08 > 1028869867


From:
Subject: Re: [MO-CEM] Missouri Live Cemetery Residents
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 2002 01:11:11 EDT


In a message dated 8/8/02 4:26:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

<< Chiggers are TEN times + worse than
ticks. Give me a tick any day, I'll pull it off, doctor it with benydryl
stick and that's it. But Chiggers keep on itching, and itching, and
itching, and itching, and itching...... >>

I am well acquainted with the sheer misery of chiggers and would never call
them a good thing, but have to say that any country graveyard on this
continent has a chance of having ticks that carry some ferocious diseases.
Some places are much more prone than others, but every state has reported
Lyme disease, and then there are several other tick-borne illnesses that can
be picked up, sometimes in conjunction with each other.

I was raised with a relaxed attitude toward ticks, but having spent the past
15 years dealing with what has become chronic Lyme for my children and I,
believe me, I see things quite differently. I am concerned to help any others
to avoid what we have suffered. We also have encountered difficulty
eradicating babesiosis, which is a cousin to malaria.

Missouri certainly has its' share of the two known human ehrlichiosis
diseases, and ofcourse, Rocky Mtn. Spotted fever. Not every tick carries
these diseases, but please remember to take precautions. I know we are very
accustomed to the critters, but I really think the bacteria being carried
seems to be more of an issue than a few years ago.
I know this might be considered borderline appropriate (the bug discussion)
but it is something to be considered when we are out traipsing around looking
for ancestors. I appreciate the heads up if a place is especially ticky. It
helps to be reminded to just keep the repellent in the car. Gone are the days
when I used to jump out and investigate if I happened to see an interesting
burial ground while I was out doing something else. I have to think ahead and
be prepared: wear light coloured clothes with long sleeves, tuck pants into
socks and tape around my cuffs. Not so convenient, especially in August, I
know.

I use permethrin spray (available at hunting stores or Sports Authority,
Walmart) on an old pair of sneakers, and ahead of time (so it has time to
dry) on the clothes I plan to wear. And, as much as I hate the stuff, I spray
the deet. I have heard that the repellents with 100% deet aren't necessarily
more effective, however. That is only hear say, though.

Remember to do tick checks (including the scalp and ears, along with the
usual places), remember that in the Spring they can be as small as poppy
seeds, and don't use alcohol, a match, vaseline, or any other thing to make
the tick let go, because, according to the CDC, those methods traumatize the
tick into regurgitating the stomach contents into the wound, increasing the
chance that any bacteria will get to you. Instead, use regular precision
tweezers and pull up slowly and steadily to remove it. Then put antibiotic
ointment on the bite.

My love of geneology and history, the outdoors, and curiosity about all of my
Missouri ancestors keeps me out there, glad to be alive and able to walk
again without crutches and canes. I just proceed with much more caution these
days.

Wishing everyone success in the search and enjoyment of the process,

Carla Hunter Southwick

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