Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a crippling illness caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) which are transmitted to humans through tick bites. The number of reported cases of Lyme disease has increased dramatically since its initial discovery in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975. The epidemic has become so rampant that it has rapidly become one of the most widespread debilitating illnesses of our time. The disease is spreading quickly due to a variety of factors. Pets and wildlife that run through the fields and woodlands can bring ticks back to suburban locations and backyards. Also, wooded areas where people live or spend leisure time are the natural environments for ticks carrying Lyme disease bacteria.
Exposure to ticks should be minimized, with clothing tucked into shoes and tick repellent products used when in areas of bushes and grass. Careful examination of your body for ticks is also appropriate, as is the case for your children and pets.
Three Stages of Lyme Disease:
- Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, chills, headaches, stiff neck, muscle aches and pains and possibly a distinct rash.
- Second stage symptoms occur weeks or months later and include severe headaches, encephalitis, paralysis of facial muscles, abnormal heartbeat, numbness, withdrawal, loss of confidence, lethargy, and other symptoms.
- Third stage symptoms occur months or years later and include arthritis, fatigue and loss of memory. As the symptoms reach this stage of development the effects of Lyme disease is in most cases irreversible, and therefore early detection is critical for effective treatment.
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