Lyme Disease

DESCRIPTION
  • Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria from ticks
LOCATION

 

  • Mountains or highlands regions of western states and western Canada that contain rocky surfaces with moderate shrub cover and scattered pines
CAUSE

 

  • Bite by an infected tick
SYMPTOMS

 

  • Headache
  • Slight fever
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Swollen glands
  • Jaw discomfort
  • Inflammation of the eye membranes
  • A rash (erythema migrans) occurs in 65–75 percent of cases. The rash often looks like a bulls-eye with central clearing and/or darkening around the edge.
  • Additional skin lesions may appear in order areas and could last for days or weeks.
  • Heart, nervous system and join manifestations may develop if untreated.
     
TREATMENT

 

  • Seek medical attention from a physician
     
PREVENTION

 

  • Avoid tick-infested habitats during spring and early summer
  • Use personal protection, such as wearing pants and shirts with long sleeves
     
OTHER FACTS
  • Over 9,000 cases were reported in 1992 in the northeastern and upper Midwest states in the United States, which were caused by the deer tick.