|
Lyme disease Causes and Risks:
Lyme disease was first described in the U.S. in the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut; in 1975, but has now been reported in most parts of the U.S. Most cases occur in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and the Pacific Coast. Mice and deer are the most commonly infected animals that serve as host to the tick . Most infections occur in the summer.
The disease is difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms mimic other diseases. A characteristic red rash usually occurs at the site of the bite; however, the bite may go unnoticed. A few months after the bite, muscle paralysis , joint inflammation , neurological symptoms and sometimes heart symptoms may occur.
The initial infection is called primary Lyme disease . Secondary Lyme disease and tertiary Lyme disease may develop.
Prevention:
When walking or hiking in tick infested areas, tuck long pants into socks to protect the legs, wear shoes and long sleeved shirts. Ticks will show up on white or light colors better than dark colors, making them easier to remove from your clothing. Check yourself and your pets frequently. If you find ticks, remove them immediately by using a tweezers, pulling carefully and steadily. Insect repellent may be helpful.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
Antibiotics are prescribed based on disease stages and manifestations. Erythromycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, cefuroxime, and penicillin are some of the choices.
Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to relieve joint stiffness .
Note: oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.
Prognosis:
If diagnosed in the early stages, the disease can be cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, complications involving joints, the heart, and the nervous system can occur.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of Lyme disease develop.
Erythema chronicum migrans is the initial lesion of Lyme disease, and often appears at the site of the infecting tick bite. It is a red, enlarging rash, flat (macular) or slightly raised, and may reach from 4 to 20 inches across (the average rash is 6 inches). (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete similar to spirochetes of other diseases, such as relapsing fever and syphilis. This organism causes Lyme Disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on disease, including Lyme disease. This chart illustrates the number of cases reported in 1992 for each state. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on diseases, including Lyme disease. This graph shows the number of reported cases of lyme disease has increased since 1982. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on diseases, including Lyme disease. This graph shows the proportion of lyme disease compared to other diseases that are spread by contact with an animal or insect bite. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
This picture shows an engorged deer tick (Ixodes damini) embedded in the skin of a human host. In the United States, these ticks are the primary source (vector) of Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and M. Fergione.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on diseases, including Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Individuals living in areas where Lyme disease is common should be checked for ticks following outings, camping trips, or exposure in wooded, brush, or grassy areas. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Pfizer, INC.)
The white-footed mouse is typically the host for the larval and nymph stages of the deer tick. The adult tick prefers the white-tailed deer. The nymph stage is capable of transferring Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Lyme disease was a cover story in Newsweek. Lyme disease is now a nationally-recognized problem. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on diseases, including Lyme Disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Deer ticks can carry lyme disease. These ticks belong to the genus Ixodes. The primary species of tick that is a carrier of Lyme disease is Ixodes damini, though other species of Ixodes may also carry Lyme disease. Research suggests that the tick must be attached about 48 hours before the disease is transmitted, so early removal may prevent disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on diseases, including Lyme Disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on diseases, including Lyme Disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium known as a spirochete because of its long, corkscrew shape. The infectious organism is named Borrelia burgdorferi. The photomicrograph shows the typical corkscrew appearance of a spirochete. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
This is a white tailed deer (fawn). Deer carry ticks that can transmit Lyme disease to humans. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
This is an adult female deer tick, Ixodes damini. It is a "vector" or insect that transmits Lyme disease to humans. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Facial paralysis (palsy) may be associated with Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Andrea Kiesk M.D., Marquette Clinic, Marquette, MI.)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintain statistics on diseases, including Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)
Protective clothing may prevent Lyme disease-carrying ticks from attaching to the body. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Pfizer, INC.)
|
