Lyme DiseaseBy Jackie Crozier

Borrelia burgdorferi Carried by blacklegged ticks

Lyme Disease

Most common places found for Lyme disease:-Virginia to Maine- Wisconsin and Minnesota- northern California

Lyme Disease

1st stage- early localized Lyme disease.

2nd stage- early disseminated Lyme disease.

3rd stage- late disseminated Lyme disease.

Three Stages

Outside activities Pet carrying it inside Walking in high grasses

Risk factors

24-36 hours for disease to spread

Many people with this disease never saw the tick

Most people who are bitten do not get Lyme disease

More Facts…

Itching Chills Fever Headache

Light-headedness Muscle pain Stiff neck Erythema migrans

(EM) or “bull’s eye” rash

Symptoms of Stage 1

Additional EM lesions Facial or Bell’s Palsy Severe Headaches Pain and swelling in

large joints

Shooting pains interfering with sleep

Heart palpitations and dizziness

Resolve over a period of weeks to months

Symptoms of Stage 2

Approx. 60% begin to show signs of arthritis

Up to 5% may develop chronic neurological complaints

Approx. 10-20% have symptoms that last months to years

Symptoms of Stage 3

Blood test Electrocardiogram Echocardiogram for heart Spinal tap MRI of the brain

Signs & Tests

A 2-4 week course of antibiotics Specific antibiotics depend on the stage of

Lyme disease Pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can be

prescribed for joint stiffness

Treatments

Avoid wooded or bushy areas Walk in center of trails Check yourself and pets frequently during

and after a long walk Shower soon after coming indoors to wash

off any unseen ticks

Prevention

American Lyme Disease Foundation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PubMed Health

References