Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected tick. It is an acute and chronic disease affecting first the skin, then the nervous system, then the joints. It can cause lasting musculoskeletal, neurologic or mental impairment.
Source
The bacterium that causes Lyme disease is carried by the tiny, brown deer tick.
Identification
A small, slightly raised red spot will usually appear at the bite site. A red circle may form, expanding outward, with a clear center. This is the "bull's-eye" hallmark of Lyme disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 80 percent of infected individuals will have the bull's-eye rash.
Symptoms
Lyme disease starts with a fever, fatigue and generalized flu-like symptoms. Joint and muscle pain are experienced as the disease progresses. Weeks to months later, larger joints, particularly the knees, become involved. Fever, headache, encephalitis and irregular heartbeat may occur at this stage. Months and even years after the original bite, Lyme disease can advance to involve painful chronic inflammation in joints, tendons and muscles.
Treatment
Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
Geography
Lyme disease is named for Lyme, Conn., where several cases occurred in 1975.
Tags: Lyme disease, bull s-eye, Lymes Disease, What Lymes, What Lymes Disease