Lyme disease: watch out for ticks!
Lyme disease is spread by the bite of the tiny tick, usually no bigger than a pinhead. Because it is so tiny and its bite is generally painless, the tick is hard to detect. Feeding ticks must usually be attached for 24 to 48 hours before transmitting the disease. Unfortunately, if not promptly diagnosed and treated, Lyme disease can cause serious problems involving the heart, joints and nervous system. The number of cases of Lyme disease has been on the rise since 1990. The US saw an increase from about 8,000 cases in 1990 to over 16,000 in 1999. The states with the highest number of cases are Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Except for the mid western states, most states so have some risk for this disease. Lyme disease is caused when an Ixodes tick passes on the germ known as "Borrelia burgdorferi," while sucking blood from its victim. Most people who get Lyme disease will show a rounded red rash at the place the tick bit them within a month. Some never develop a rash, while others develop multiple spots. The rash is called erythema migrans (formerly erythema chronicum migrans). The rash may be solid red, form a ring or multiple rings called a "bulls-eye" appearance. The rash is commonly about four inches across when seen, but often covers large areas of the body. Usually, bites that leave a ring less than 2 inches don't turn out to be Lyme.
Erythema migrans can last for a few days or for more than a month a may be painless or can feel painful, itchy or hot to the touch. Other early symptoms of Lyme disease include flu-like symptoms, malaise, low-grade fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle or joint aches and pains. Later stages of the disease don't develop until weeks or many months later. Many complications can follow an untreated case of Lyme disease. These include meningitis (stiff neck, headaches, vomiting, fever), Bell's palsy (paralysis of part read more
