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Lyme Disease Lyme Disease (LD) is an infection caused by a type of bacterium that is carried by infected blacklegged ticks. An infected tick can transmit the bacterium to the humans and animals it bites. If left untreated, the bacterium travels through the bloodstream, establishes itself in various body tissues, and can cause a number of symptoms, some of which are severe. If diagnosed and treated early with antibiotics, LD is almost always readily cured. In its later stages, it can also be treated effectively, but because the rate of disease progression and individual response to treatment varies from one patient to the next, some patients may have symptoms that linger for months or even years following treatment. The early symptoms of LD can be mild and easily overlooked. A rash that radiates from the site of the tick bite (looks like a bull's eye) may appear one to two weeks after disease transmission. Other symptoms such as joint pains, chills, fever, and fatigue are common, but they may not seem serious enough to require medical attention. As the bacterium continues to travel through the body, severe fatigue, a stiff, aching neck, tingling or numbness in the extremities or facial palsy may occur. The best precaution against LD is to wear enclosed shoes and light-colored clothing (to spot ticks easily); scan clothes and any exposed skin frequently for ticks; stay on cleared, well-traveled trails, use insect repellant containing DEET; avoid sitting directly on the ground or on stone walls; keep long hair tied back; and do a final, full-body tick-check at the end of the day. Also remember to check your children and your pets. To remove a tick, follow these steps:
If you think you have symptoms of Lyme Disease, you should see your health care provider immediately by calling the Cresco Medical Clinic at 563.547.2022, toll free 1.888.547.5474, or the Lime Springs Medical Clinic at 563.566.2243, toll free 1.800.593.5463. Cresco Medical Clinic A Department of Regional Health Services of Howard County |
Tanya Vreeke, DO