Lyme disease is an illness that is acquired through bites from deer ticks feeding on the blood of humans and animals. When left untreated, Lyme disease can have a myriad of effects, including chronic illnesses.
Features
Lyme disease is typically acquired in grassy and heavily wooded areas; the infection can spread throughout the body within days or weeks. Lyme disease is expressed through flu-like symptoms, rash and body aches.
Effects
Lyme disease can cause facial palsy, nerve damage, memory loss, impaired concentration, irregular heart rhythms, changes in sleep habits and mood fluctuations. When Lyme disease remains untreated for a long period, it causes arthritis, brain diseases and nerve damage.
Theories/Speculation
The link between Lyme disease and pregnancy complications is currently unknown. However, the CDC states that a woman who acquires Lyme disease during pregnancy has a slight risk of transmitting the illness to her unborn child.
Prognosis
According to the CDC, Lyme disease rarely results in death and is easily treated by taking physician-prescribed antibiotics.
Prevention/Solution
Cover all exposed skin while in grassy and heavily wooded areas. If you notice a tick on your skin, use tweezers to remove it; get as close as possible to the skin, firmly grasp the tick and lift gently.
Warning
Ticks should be removed within 24 to 72 hours of attachment to prevent transmission of Lyme disease. Promptly consult your health-care professional if you think you have been exposed to Lyme disease.
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