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Lyme Disease

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, there have been about 1,380 cases of Lyme Disease reported in Minnesota in the last year. Lyme Disease cases peak during the late spring and through the summer. Here is some information about Lyme Disease and Deer Ticks.

Lyme disease is caused by an infection from the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted by bites from Deer Ticks (also known as the Blacklegged Tick.) Deer ticks generally have to feed and stay on you for 24-36 hours before they can transmit the disease. The most common symptom of Lyme Disease is a circular rash called erythema migrans. This rash generally appears anywhere from 3 to 30 days after the tick bite and usually expands over time. It can be solid or have the appearance of a target or “Bull’s Eye.” Days to weeks after the rash, people can experience fever, chills, or muscle aches. It can also spread to the joints causing joint pain or to the central nervous system causing severe headaches, meningitis or even Bell’s Palsy (loss of muscle tone in the face.)

Lyme disease is very treatable, especially if it is caught early on in the infection. It is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime axetil. In some cases, especially those left untreated, there can be symptoms that occur months to years after the initial tick bite. These symptoms can include Lyme Arthritis which is swelling and pain that occurs in the joints. Less commonly, it can cause chronic symptoms of nerve pain or tingling in the hands or feet, trouble with concentration, or short-term memory problems.

Prevention is important when living in Minnesota. If possible, it is best to try to avoid tick-infested areas. If you will be in these areas, it is important to wear protective clothing and use insect repellent. It is also important to check for ticks daily if you are in these areas. If you do get a tick bite, it is important to remove the tick as soon as possible by using a tweezers and pulling it straight out. Watch for signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease, especially for the circular rash, and see a physician if any symptoms occur or if you think the tick has been attached for 24-36 hours or more.

References:
“Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).” Minnesota Department of Health. 17 Oct 2009. Web. 08 Jun 2010. .
“Lyme Disease.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 02 Jun 2010. Web. 08 Jun 2010. .

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