Lyme disease

Lyme disease is a tick-transmitted infection which may be acquired throughout Europe, in Asia, Australia, and in North America. In the US it is found in 40 states.

If a person is bitten by a tick and infected, the symptoms of Lyme disease usually do not begin until three to 30 days later. The first sign of the disease is a flat, circular red skin rash which may grow to two inches in diameter and may have a bull's-eye appearance. The rash may be accompanied by fever, headache, extreme fatigue, aching joints and muscles and mild neck stiffness. Any rash that occurs in the 48 hours immediately after a tick bite is due to an allergic reaction and is not Lyme disease.

Individuals with a large, flat, often bull's-eye-looking rash developing more than 48 hours after a tick bite or after outdoor activities, should suspect Lyme disease should seek medical attention immediately. If Lyme disease is confirmed, it will be treated with antibiotics, often tetracycline, 250 mg four times a day for at least 10 days. If treated early, the disease has a very high chance of being completely cured.

If untreated, the rash and symptoms usually resolve over several weeks, but over subsequent weeks or months disorders of the nervous system, heart and joints may develop. Although even in these later stages the disease can usually be cured with intravenous antibiotics, response to treatment is best early in the illness. The longer the delay, the longer the recovery period.

There is no vaccine available for protection against Lyme disease, so take precautions while camping, hiking, or walking in the woods or through brush. Wear long pants tucked in at the bottom. Consider spraying clothing with a tick repellent. Check you entire body for ticks twice a day, and carefully check again when you get home. If you see a tick remove it immediately.

To remove a tick, use a tweezer. Grasp the tick's head parts as close to your skin as possible and with slow steady traction, pull it out. Do not attempt to remove a tick by burning it or coating it with nail polish remover or petroleum jelly. If you remove a tick before it has been attached for more than 24 hours, you greatly reduce your risk of infection.

Diseases