Lyme disease was first recognized during the mid-1970’s when a group of people became ill in the town of Lyme, Connecticut. This cluster of people were all found to have the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted via a bite from the black legged tick which is otherwise known as the deer tick.
Here are some interesting facts that everyone should know about Lyme disease:
• Only nymphs and female adult ticks transmit Lyme disease.
• A tick must be attached for at least 24 hours in order for Lyme disease to be transmitted.
• Males and females of all ages can contract Lyme disease.
• Children less than 16 years old and adults over 40 contract Lyme disease more often than those in other age groups.
• Not all ticks are infected with the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
• Many people who contract Lyme disease experience a reddish rash that is circular. The size may vary and it often appears to look like a bulls-eye.
• The Lyme disease rash can expand over days or weeks.
• During the rash phase of the disease, other symptoms will begin to develop. Patients complain of a stiff neck, muscle or joint pain, fever, fatigue, and headache.
• Untreated Lyme disease can lead to facial palsy, arthritis, meningitis, and heart problems.
• Early symptoms occur within a month of exposure, followed by the more complicated symptoms listed above.
• Past Lyme disease diagnosis does not give you immunity to future Lyme disease.
• There is currently no human vaccine to protect against Lyme disease. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. Your physician will perform a simple blood test and upon confirmation of the disease you will be set on a course of antibiotics.
• Lyme disease that is caught in its early stages can be completely cured. Once serious complication set in, it is more difficult to cure and control.
For more information about the black legged tick, visit our website.