My father, a Maryland resident, was diagnosed with Lyme disease. He told me that based on his
experience, Lyme disease is a complex illness. Can you please share more information about this
vector-borne disease?
Thank you.
Lyme disease is an infection that is transmitted through the bite of a tick infected with a bacterium called
Borrelia burgdorferi. According to webmd.com, it has now been found in nearly all states and 18 other
countries. Most cases - more than 90% - are reported in three regions of the U.S.: Northeast, North
Central States, and West Coast, particularly Northern California.
Lyme disease is considered to be a complex illness because it can be hard to diagnose; it mimics a variety
of illnesses and its severity can vary from person to person. In the early stages, its symptoms are vague:
flu-like symptoms that can include a stiff neck, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fatigue,
muscle aches, facial parlysis (Bell’s palsy), and joint pain. Less common symptoms include eye
inflammation and severe fatigue.
A tick bite is an important clue for diagnosis, but many patients cannot recall having been bitten by a tick
(the tick is tiny, and a tick bite is usually painless). A large, expanding skin rash that resembles a bull’s-
eye is an indication to seek medical attention. If there is no visible rash (as is the case in about one-fourth
of those infected), the doctor might order a blood test: ELISA, which measures the levels of antibodies
against the Lyme disease bacteria that are present in the body; and Western blot, which identifies
antibodies directed against a panel of proteins found on the Lyme bacteria. Other tests include a spinal
tap which can detect brain and spinal cord inflammation and can look for antibodies against the Lyme
disease bacterium in the spinal fluid. Lyme disease is not contagious. Most cases of Lyme disease can be
treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics.
If Lyme disease is not treated promptly, it can be difficult to cure. In advanced stages, nerve problems and
arthritis, especially in the knees, may occur. Some patients develop heart problems, such as an irregular,
slow heartbeat. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include avoiding tick-infected areas, wearing protective
clothing, using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat.
