Lyme disease
Key points
- Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease characterized by a skin rash, joint inflammation, and flu-like symptoms, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by the bite of a deer tick.
- Lyme disease was first described in the United States in the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut in 1975, but has now been reported in most parts of the United States.
- Deer ticks can be so small that they are almost impossible to see.
- Antibiotics are prescribed based on disease stages and manifestations.
Alternative names
Borreliosis
Definition
Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease characterized by a skin rash, joint inflammation, and flu-like symptoms, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by the bite of a deer tick. See also tick removal.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Lyme disease was first described in the United States in the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut in 1975, but has now been reported in most parts of the United States.
Most cases occur in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and along the Pacific coast. Mice and deer are the most commonly infected animals that serve as host to the tick. Most infections occur in the late spring, summer, and early fall.
The disease can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms may mimic other diseases. A characteristic red rash usually occurs at the site of the bite. However, the bite may go unnoticed. A few months to years after the bite, joint inflammation, neurological symptoms, and sometimes heart symptoms may occur.
The initial infection is called primary Lyme disease. From there, secondary Lyme disease and tertiary Lyme disease may develop.
There are more than 16,000 cases of Lyme disease per year in the United States.
Risk factors for Lyme disease include walking in high grasses, other activities that increase tick exposure, and having a pet that may carry ticks home.
Symptoms
Deer ticks can be so small that they are almost impossible to see. Therefore, many people with Lyme disease never even saw a tick. These people are more likely to develop symptoms because the tick remained on their body longer.
The symptoms of Lyme disease include:
- A flat or slightly raised red lesion at the site of the tick bite (can be larger than 1 to 3 inches in diameter, often with a clear area in the center)
- Fever
- Headache
- Lethargy
- Muscle pains
- Stiff neck
- Joint inflammation in the knees and other large joints
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- Itching, overall
- unusual or strange behavior
Signs and tests
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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