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• Lyme Disease is an illness caused by borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that is spread through deer and Western black-legged ticks. Infected ticks usually don't spread Lyme disease for at least 36 to 48 hours so it is important to remove a tick as soon as you notice it. Not all deer or Western black-legged ticks ticks carry Lyme disease, in actuality, only a small percent of people and animals that are bitten get the disease.

  Some of the symptoms of Lyme disease include a circular red rash, fever, chills, headaches and body aches. Untreated Lyme disease can cause serious problems later in life.WebMD: Lyme Disease - Topic Overview

• Fast Facts

  1. Caused by: Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium
  2. Bacteria is found in black-legged ticks and deer ticks
  3. Not all of the ticks carry the disease
  4. Cases reported in all 50 states
  5. Most prevalent in: Northeast, mid-Atlantic states
  6. 2003 cases: 21,273American Lyme Disease Foundation: [http://www.aldf.com/usmap.shtml Us Maps and Statistics
  7. Treatment: antibioticsWebMD: Lyme Disease - Topic Overview
  8. Can spread to other parts of the body and result in serious symptoms if left untreatedWebMD: Lyme Disease - Topic Overview

• Symptoms

  1. Circular rash
  2. Flu like symptoms
  3. Joint pain
  4. Neurological problems
  5. Fatigue

• Prevention

  1. Light colored clothing
  2. Long pants and sleeves when in grassy or wooded areas
  3. Insect repellent
  4. Tick proof your yard
  5. Check body for ticks regularly
  6. Don't think you are immune
  7. Remove tick with tweezers

• Risks

  Lyme disease can result in problems with the skin, joints, nervous system, and heart if left untreated. The problems can occur years after the tick bite. Usually they improve with antibiotics, but they can remain.WebMD: Lyme Disease - Topic Overview The disease can also result in brain inflammation and problems with concentration and short-term memory, although that is rare. There has been speculation that the disease can cause hallucinations and psychotic illness.Daily American: Authorities charge man in Illinois church suspect (March 9, 2009)

• Discovery

  Lyme disease was first recognized in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease got its name in 1982. A group of children who all lived close to each other were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This led researchers to dig deeper into the children's cases where they eventually discovered the bacteria causing the conditions.

  Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Lyme Disease, please consult your doctor.

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