Lyme Disease Treatment
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in North America and Europe. It is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Deer ticks can harbor the bacteria and spread it when feeding on the blood of animals and humans.
The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease vary and usually affect more than one system, most commonly the skin, joints, and nervous system.
Early Lyme disease symptoms (within one month of infection) include:
- Rash (in characteristic “bullseye” pattern)
- Flu-like symptoms (including fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and headache)
Later signs and symptoms (several weeks to months after infection) include:
- Joint pain
- Neurological problems (including meningitis, Bell’s palsy, numbness or weakness in limbs, and impaired muscle movement)
