Lyme Disease

Description

Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria from ticks
Location

Mountains or highlands regions of western states and western Canada that contain rocky surfaces with moderate shrub cover and scattered pines
Cause

Bite by an infected tick
Symptoms

Headache, slight fever, muscle or joint pain, neck stiffness, swollen glands, jaw discomfort and inflammation of the eye membranes
A rash (erythema migrans) occurs in 65–75 percent of cases. The rash often looks like a bulls-eye with central clearing and/or darkening around the edge.
Additional skin lesions may appear in other areas and could last for days or weeks.
Heart, nervous system and joint manifestations may develop if untreated.
Treatment

Seek medical attention from a physician
Prevention

Avoid tick-infested habitats during spring and early summer
Use personal protection, such as wearing pants and shirts with long sleeves
Other Facts

Over 9,000 cases were reported in 1992 in the northeastern and upper Midwest states in the United States, which were caused by the deer tick.