Understanding Lyme Disease

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged (deer) ticks.

Key Symptoms

Early Signs (3-30 days after tick bite):

• Bull's-eye rash (erythema migrans)
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes

Later Signs (days to months):

• Severe joint pain and swelling
• Neurological problems
• Heart rhythm irregularities
• Additional rashes

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Medical history evaluation
2. Physical examination
3. Blood tests (typically two-step testing)
4. Assessment of symptoms

Treatment

Early-Stage Treatment

• Oral antibiotics (typically 14-21 days)
  • Doxycycline
  • Amoxicillin
  • Cefuroxime

Late-Stage Treatment

• Intravenous antibiotics
• Longer treatment duration
• Symptom management

Prevention

1. Avoid tick-infested areas
2. Use insect repellent
3. Wear protective clothing
4. Check for ticks after outdoor activities
5. Remove ticks promptly

Long-Term Outlook

Most patients recover fully with timely antibiotic treatment. Some may experience post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact your healthcare provider if you:

• Notice a bull's-eye rash
• Experience symptoms after a tick bite
• Have been in tick-prone areas and develop symptoms

Risk Factors

• Living in or visiting woodland areas
• Outdoor activities in high-risk areas
• Exposed skin in tick habitats
• Spring and summer seasons