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
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