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Lyme Disease: A Serious Tick-Borne Illness

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on the stage of the infection. In the early stage, which usually occurs within a few days to a month after the bite of an infected tick, the most common symptom is a bull's-eye rash. The rash is typically round or oval, and it expands over time. Other symptoms of early Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, and fatigue.

If Lyme disease is not treated in the early stage, it can progress to the second stage, which can occur weeks to months after the initial infection. During the second stage, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, including the joints, heart, and nervous system. Symptoms of second-stage Lyme disease can include arthritis, heart palpitations, and neurological problems.

Treatment for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and the length of treatment will depend on the stage of the infection.

Prevention of Lyme Disease

There are a number of things you can do to prevent Lyme disease, including:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants when in wooded areas
• Using insect repellent containing DEET
• Checking yourself for ticks after being in wooded areas
• Removing ticks promptly if you find one

Lyme Disease is a Serious Illness

Lyme disease is a serious illness that can have long-term consequences if it is not treated promptly. If you think you may have been bitten by an infected tick, see your doctor right away.

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