Lyme Disease:
Lyme disease is a significant public health concern, affecting approximately 476,000 individuals in the US each year.
- Lyme disease is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
- It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, often referred to as deer ticks.
- It cannot spread between humans, from pets to humans, through air, food, or water or lice, mosquitoes, fleas, and flies also do not transmit it.
- It is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, particularly during warmer months. It is most commonly reported in North America, Europe and some parts of Asia.
- It starts between 3 to 30 days after an infected tick bites you.
- It commonly manifests with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bull’s-eye” red rash called erythema migrans (EM).
- Erythema migrans serve as a hallmark sign, aiding in the early diagnosis and management of this tick-borne illness.
- If it is left untreated, it can lead to more severe complications affecting the joints, heart and nervous system.
- The standard treatment for Lyme disease is antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, especially in the early stages.
