Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that spread through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (also known as deer tick) infected with Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It is most common in the northeastern United States, but it can be found in other areas such as the upper Midwest and northern California.
The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary widely, which makes it difficult to diagnose. In general, symptoms can appear within a few days or even a month after the tick bite. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and a bull's-eye rash at the site of the tick bite. However, not everyone with Lyme disease gets the rash. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include joint pain, muscle aches, neurological problems, and even heart problems.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause long-term complications such as chronic joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis), heart rhythm irregularities, and neurological problems that can include facial palsy and meningitis.
To prevent Lyme disease, it's important to take precautions when you are in wooded or grassy areas. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, use insect repellent with DEET, and perform a careful tick-check when you come indoors.
If you do get bitten by a tick, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in your skin.
If you develop symptoms of Lyme disease after a tick bite, see your doctor. He or she will likely perform blood tests to check for antibodies to the bacteria and may prescribe antibiotics. Generally, early treatment is effective, and most people recover fully.
Overall, Lyme disease is a serious condition that can be prevented with a few simple precautions. If you do get bitten by a tick, be sure to monitor yourself for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. With proper care, most people are able to make a full recovery from Lyme disease.