Infectious Diseases

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause symptoms throughout the body. “Tick-borne” means an illness that is transmitted from the bite of a tick. Lyme disease was officially identified in 1975. Today it is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States. It has been reported in every U.S. state except Montana

Lyme disease is caused by a type of bacterium called a spirochete. The particular species of spirochete that is responsible for Lyme disease is called Borrelia burgdorferi, and it is spread by infected ticks. In the United States, the tick that carries Lyme disease is commonly known as the deer tick, because in its adult form

The classic symptom of Lyme disease is a characteristic rash, called erythema migrans, near the bite. An estimated 85% of people with Lyme disease get this rash. The rash starts as a small red spot at the site of the tick bite. Over the next few days or weeks, the rash expands into a circle

In an area where Lyme disease is common, the rash may be enough for a physician to make a diagnosis. A flu-like illness along with the rash is common, and the physician will also probably look for muscle and joint tenderness, especially around the knees. When the rash is absent, Lyme disease may be hard

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics taken by mouth, such as: Cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin), which was approved by the FDA in 1996 for the treatment of early Lyme disease. Amoxicillin Doxycycline (also effectively treats most other tick-borne diseases; not given to children under age 9, pregnant women, or women who are breastfeeding because it can

Pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid getting a tick bite, because Lyme disease can be transmitted to an unborn child. Although rare, it can make a woman more likely to miscarry or deliver a stillborn child. Antibiotics that can be given to pregnant women with Lyme disease include amoxicillin, cefuroxime axetil, or penicillin.

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to: Take protective measures to avoid tick bites Reduce the number of deer in and around your property Remove a tick from the skin promptly About the Lyme Disease vaccine Protective Measures Avoiding wooded or grassy areas, especially between May and August, is one way to prevent

The long-term prognosis for Lyme disease caught early is excellent. Although symptoms sometimes last for months, early treatment increases the likelihood that they will clear up completely. A recent study has shown that the general health of people who have had Lyme disease between 1 and 11 years before is similar to that of the

Here are some frequently asked questions related to lyme disease: Q: Does Lyme disease occur outside the United States? A: Yes, Lyme disease occurs worldwide. In Europe, the tick that spreads the disease usually lives on sheep in its adult stage rather than on deer. Q: How do ticks become infected? A: Ticks become infected with the

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to lyme disease: Lyme disease is a potentially serious but treatable illness spread by ticks. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent in most of the United States. Most people who contract Lyme disease do not remember being bitten by a tick. Lyme disease is