There are some facts about Lyme disease that may alarm you.
For example, anyone can get the disease! No one is immune to this sometimes crippling, and oft times difficult to diagnose disease.
So, just exactly what is it and how do you get it? Lyme disease is an illness caused by the bacterium Borrellia burgdorferi.
If the name of the bacterium is not frightening enough, the means of contracting the disease sounds like a new science fiction movie plot.
It is transmitted by an insect named Ixodes scapularis.
The more common name? A tiny little creature we call a tick! More specifically, the deer tick.
The first known cases of the disease were discovered near the town of Lyme, Connecticut.
The name stuck and the disease became known as Lyme disease.
Unfortunately, the disease has now been found in every state and is not limited the the northeast regions where it was first discovered.
Any where you find an environment conducive to ticks the risk is present.
Warm summer months are the most common time to contract this painful disease.
Lyme disease symptoms include, but are not limited to, a circular red rash that occurs near the actual tick bite.
This used to be the sign we were told to look for to indicate the onset of the disease.
Unfortunately, it has been discovered that not all who have contracted the disease ever had the circular rash.
Other symptoms are fever, headache, stiff neck, and fatigue.
Muscle and joint pain may also be present.
These symptoms may last several weeks.
If left untreated, other complications can develop.
Meningitis, facial palsy, heart problems and arthritis are a few of the complications that may occur.
Prevention is the best treatment.
Although antibiotics are used as medical treatment, the treatment for Lyme disease is often delayed because early symptoms sometimes mirror other, less serious conditions.
Only after the disease has had a chance to develop is it easy to diagnose.
When camping or hiking in areas where ticks are likely take necessary precautions such as wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants and high socks with the pant legs tucked into the socks.
It may not be a great fashion statement, but it will help keep the ticks away from your skin.
Light colored clothing will also make it easier to spot any ticks that may decide to hitch a ride on you.
Insect repellants may offer some protection as well.
Depending on where you live, Lyme disease can occur at any time of the year.
Taking proper precautions against tick infestations and becoming familiar with remedies to cure the disease will become your best defense.