Lyme Disease General Information
Why is it called Lyme disease?
The first cluster of human illnesses
associated with this bacterium was described near the town of Lyme,
Connecticut during the mid 1970's.
Who gets Lyme disease?
Males and females of all ages can get Lyme
disease but children less than 16 years old and adults more than 40
years old appear to be at higher risk. People who spend time outdoors in
tick-infested environments are at increased risk of exposure and
exposure can occur whenever the temperature at ground level is warm
enough for ticks to be active. In Wisconsin, most cases have occurred
among persons living in the western half of the state.
How is Lyme disease spread?
In Wisconsin, the disease is acquired by
a tick bite from an infected deer tick. (See
image of deer tick --exit DHFS) The bite of a tick is usually
painless. Only nymph and female adult deer ticks transmit Lyme disease
to humans and the tick must be attached for at least 24 hours to
transmit the disease. (Learn more about how to prevent
Lyme disease)
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Most Lyme disease case
patients report their symptoms beginning during the late spring and
summer months (May through August). The illness often, but not always,
starts as a roughly circular reddish rash (called erythema migrans)
around or near the site of the tick bite. The rash expands in size over
a period of days or weeks. During the rash stage, other symptoms such as
fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck, muscle and/or joint pain may be
present. These signs and symptoms may last for several weeks. If left
untreated, complications such as meningitis, facial palsy, heart
abnormalities, and arthritis may occur within a few weeks to months
after the initial onset of symptoms.
How soon do symptoms occur?
Early symptoms usually begin within a
month of exposure. Arthritic, cardiac, and neurologist complications may
take weeks or months to appear in untreated persons.
Does past infection with Lyme disease make a person immune?
Although
past infection provides some immunity, this immunity is relatively
short-lived. Therefore it is possible for a person to get infected more
than once.
What is the treatment for Lyme disease?
The disease is treated with
oral or injectable antibiotics. Lyme disease is more easily treated when
detected early. Exposed persons should monitor their health and promptly
see a health care provider if signs and symptoms consistent with Lyme
disease (such as erythema migrans rash) develop. Remember, an infected
tick must be attached for >24 hours to successfully transmit B.
burgdorferi to humans.
Is there a vaccine to prevent infection?
No. Although there had been
a vaccine against human Lyme disease, this vaccine is no longer
marketed.
Last Revised: October 19, 2007 |
