Lyme diseaseis the most common tick-borne illness in the United States.
It’s because of the bite of a black-legged tick carrying the bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferi.
This article will review the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease.
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How Do You Get Lyme Disease?
Children may be bitten on the neck or scalp.
Can Lyme Disease Be Transmitted From Person to Person?
Do All Ticks Carry Lyme Disease?
Not all ticks carry Lyme disease.
The black-legged tickIxodes scapularis,most commonly spreads Lyme disease in the United States.
In What States Can You Get Lyme Disease?
Symptoms and Stages of Lyme Disease
Lyme diseaseoccurs in three stages, and symptoms vary among individuals.
The rash often feels smooth, warm, and sometimes itchy, tingly, or tender.
When the bacteria spread to internal organs, they cause inflammation.
Muscle or bone pain that comes and goes can also occur.
Neurological symptoms may include subtle memory problems, difficulty thinking, or abnormal sensations like numbness.
How Soon After a Tick Bites You Do You Get Lyme Disease?
How Is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?
The manner ofdiagnosing suspected Lyme diseasedepends upon the stage of the disease.
If the healthcare provider diagnoses erythema migrans, treatment for Lyme disease is started.
This test looks for theDNA(genetic coding) ofBorrelia burgdorferi.
Understanding Chronic Lyme Disease
Most cases of Lyme disease are curable withantibiotic therapy.
Individuals with chronic Lyme disease experience a range of nonspecific symptoms due to a presumed Lyme disease infection.
Is Lyme Disease Curable?
Antibiotic therapycures most cases of Lyme disease.
However, about 1 in 10 develop post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
If you see a tick, remove it with clean, fine-tipped tweezers right away.
Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider immediately if any symptoms are present.
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