According to county health officials, two cases of Lyme disease were reported in 1999. The department is still collecting data from 2000 and 2001. According to Bass, there are 50 species of ticks in Contra Costa County, three kinds of which bite humans. Of those the western black-legged tick is the only one known to transmit Lyme disease and only 0-2% of those ticks carry the bacteria causing the disease.

District assistant entomologist Ann Donahue, who is the director of the district’s tick program, said the western black-legged tick has been found in parks throughout the county. She warns that people who venture out to parks such as Mt Diablo should take appropriate caution when hiking.

Adult ticks can be found in tall grass and brush areas. They climb to the tips of vegetation, usually along paths or animal trails and simply wait for a "host" to brush against them.

Entomologist Steve Schutz says early symptoms of Lyme disease include flu like symptoms such as fever, fatigue and body aches. In 90 percent or more of patients, a red, blotchy, bulls-eye-shaped skin rash appears seven to 10 days after the bite of an infected insect.. Most cases of Lyme disease are contracted during the spring and early summer months, when the very small, immature forms of the ticks are common.

"Lyme disease is easily treated with antibiotics and nearly all patients recover completely without complications," Bass said. "However, if left untreated, the symptoms can progress into heart or nervous system disorders, as well as arthritis."

Schultz said it could take up to 48 hours for the tick to transmit the bacteria to humans; that is why prompt and proper removal is important. A tick should be removed from one’s body as soon as possible with fine-tipped tweezers. "When a tick is traumatized by the "unscrewing" method or burning, it wretches and forcibly deposits the bacteria in the victim."

Bass said that after removing the tick it should be saved for identification and testing. "Place the tick in a plastic bag with a piece of damp towel paper or cotton ball, while keeping it cool. The tick will die if it gets too hot and dry."

The best course of action is to avoid getting bitten in the first place. "If you go hiking, choose a wide trail and stay in the center, avoiding bushy, grassy areas and stay away from off-trail hikes," Bass said. "Always check yourself, your family and pets (pets are not allowed on trails on Mt Diablo, Ed.) after a day out. Also, wearing white or light-colored clothing can help you spot the tick more easily."

FOR HELP. If you find a tick, bring or mail the live insect to the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector District at 155 Mason Circle, Concord, 94520 or call (925) 685-9301 for more information.

Also see:  Ticks and Lyme Disease article from Summer 2007 Mount Diablo Review