Protecting Yourself from Lyme Disease

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• Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted
  by the bite of a tick. In the U.S., the bacterium
  responsible for Lyme disease is Borrelia
  burgdorferi.
• Infected ticks typically pick up the bacterium
  after biting an infected animal, such as a deer,
  raccoon, or squirrel.
• When an infected tick then bites a person, Lyme
  disease can take hold.

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• Lyme disease was first recognized in the 1970s
  after several children were diagnosed with
  juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in Lyme, Conn., and
  several neighboring towns.
• Infected individuals experienced a rash followed
  by arthritis symptoms, and many of the children
  reported having had a tick bite. The symptoms
  mostly started in the summer months, which
  coincided with tick season.
• Investigations eventually uncovered that deer
  ticks were responsible for transmitting Lyme
  disease.

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• Lyme disease is much more prevalent in the
  Northeastern U.S. and Midwest, but every state
  has had reported cases.
• The number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease
  rose from approximately 11,500 cases in 1995 to
  approximately 25,000 cases in 2014 nationwide,
  according to the Centers for Disease Control
  (CDC).1
• In 2014, 95 of all cases were reported from 14
  states, all in the Eastern U.S. and Midwest.

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• A small red bump at the site of a tick bite is
  normal, and generally resolves within a few days.
  However, watch out for the following signs and
  symptoms. which are indications of Lyme disease
• Early Signs
• Rash 3-30 days after tick bite, may have a
  bulls eye pattern
• Flu-like symptoms Including fever, chills, and
  body aches
• Later Signs
• Joint pain Bouts of severe pain, especially in
  the knees
• Numbness/weakness in limbs or impaired muscle
  movement Could indicate inflammation in the
  brain

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• The biggest risk factor for contracting Lyme
  disease is spending time in woody or grassy
  areas, especially in areas where deer ticks are
  prevalent (Northeastern U.S. and Midwest).
• Additional risk factors are
• Having exposed skin.
• Not removing ticks promptly and properly. If you
  find a tick on you, remove it immediately.

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• The easiest way for a doctor to diagnose Lyme
  disease is by seeing the distinctive bulls eye
  rash.
• For people who are showing later symptoms of the
  disease, there are several tests doctors can
  perform to measure antibodies against Lyme
  disease.
• The presence of antibodies doesnt necessarily
  indicate an infection with the bacterium that
  causes Lyme disease, however. A doctor will
  assess what additional tests may need to be
  performed.

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• Antibiotics are the traditional western approach
  to treating the bacterium that causes Lyme
  disease.
• But taking antibiotics presents risks. Side
  effects can be severe and/or long-lasting,
  including nausea, vomiting, rashes, allergic
  reactions, vaginal yeast infections, and damage
  to helpful gut bacteria.
• Herbal and homeopathic remedies are a much safer
  alternative and can provide relief from the
  symptoms of Lyme disease.

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• Lyme disease can be debilitating and
  long-lasting. Learn how to protect yourself and
  your family from Lyme disease, according to the
  CDC2
• Use a repellant like DEET when outdoors.
• Perform daily tick checks.
• Remove ticks promptly and properly.
• Discourage deer (which carry ticks) from entering
  your yard.
• Pay attention to possible symptoms, including a
  fever or rash, especially after a tick bite.

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• http//www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/
• http//www.cdc.gov/features/lymedisease/