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What Is Lyme Desease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. The bacteria can infect ticks which transmit the disease by feeding on human and animal blood.

  1. Symptoms

    • Lyme disease can cause a bumpy rash that is accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Joint pain and neurological problems may also occur.

    Risk Factors

    • Bare skin and staying outside for extended periods of time, particularly in grassy or wooded areas, increases the chance of infected tick bites.

    Treatment

    • Lyme disease is most often treated with oral antibiotics that rid the body of infection within a few weeks.

    Prevention

    • Ticks prefer to live in brush; try to tick-proof your yard by keeping it clear of debris. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect bare skin. Use insect repellents and check children, pets and yourself for ticks after being outdoors.

    Warning

    • A tick must stay attached for at least 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Removing the tick as soon as possible can reduce the chance of infection.

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