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What is Lyme Disease?

A lot of people don’t need to find out what lyme disease is. You should know some basic facts about it though if you live near heavily wooded areas especially in the west or northeast U.S. regions. Knowing what this disease is can be the key to prompt treatment after an infection.

Causes

The direct cause of the disease is the bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. This is a type of bacteria that is typically carried by ticks of the genus Ixodes with its main carrier being the deer tick. It has been called such because it is most commonly found in deer. It can however also be found in wild birds, rodents and plants. A tick can get the bacteria when it feeds on an infected host. In the same manner, the bacteria are transmitted to a new host when a tick feeds.

Domestic animals can get infected by the disease when they come into contact with deer, birds and plants carrying the tick. Humans can therefore get infected through direct contact with wild animals and plants or through contact with pets that have the tick.

Symptoms

The single most obvious symptom of the disease is a distinct rash. A lyme disease rash is known as erythema migrans and may first appear as a red spot. After some time, the spot will increase in circumference, forming a red circular area around an inner white circular area. The appearance of the central portion of the rash has earned it the name of bull’s eye. Not every individual who has the disease will have the rash. Those who do develop the rash may only develop it after a few days to a month of being bitten.

Other accompanying symptoms involve muscle ache, fever, chills and weariness. In the rare event that the disease progresses untreated to a higher stage, the symptoms could become dangerous. Advanced lyme disease could be accompanied by paralysis, meningitis and decreasing mental functions among others.

Treatment

Before treatment can start, correct diagnosis is a must. The usual way in which lyme disease is confirmed is through a blood test. Unfortunately, not every test is accurate. In people who lack the distinct rash and who have falsely negative blood test results the disease may remain undetected.

When lyme disease is found, prompt treatment is recommended. Since the cause of the infection is bacteria, the logical treatment option is antibiotics. Oral antibiotics may be enough if the disease is detected early. If it has moved on to a more severe state, intravenous antibiotics may be required.

Prevention

Getting lyme disease can be a bother. It is always best to avoid it then when you can. The best advice for prevention is to avoid contact with plants and animals in woody areas. If you are fond of taking nature walks, you should at least make sure that you wear clothes that cover your arms and legs. You can also use insect repellants. As an added precaution, regularly check yourself and your pets for ticks. If you do find ticks, remove them with tweezers.

Disclaimer:

This is a niche article specifically intended for niche websites and blogs. The data presented are for information purposes only. The article is a product of thorough research but should never be treated as a substitute for expert advice. This site will not be liable for the use of any part of the contents on this page.

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Word Count: 513 words
Main Keyword: lyme disease