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General Concepts > Lyme Disease Other Names: Lyme arthritis, Tick-borne Borreliosis What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease, caused by the bite of a deer tick, is an illness that can affect many systems in the body. It is named after a town in Connecticut, where, in 1975, several children were diagnosed with an unknown arthritis. The arthritis has since been attributed to Lyme Disease, and 50,000 cases have been reported since 1982. The areas where Lyme disease is a greater risk include the states in the northeastern, upper midwestern, and far western United States. It is also found in Asia and Europe. There are three stages to Lyme disease. In the acute stage, a red circle around a small bite appears. Headaches, tiredness, and fevers are common. In the second stage, the disease can lead to arthritis in one or two joints. It can also lead to meningitis and nerve damage. Even the eyes and lungs may be affected. In the chronic stage, arthritis is chronic. A loss of concentration and memory can also occur. Causes of Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is spread by the tiny deer tick. When walking in the woods or areas where ticks are known to be, wear long pants and tuck the pant legs into your socks. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and tuck it into your pants. When you get home, check yourself for signs of ticks. Removing the tick within 24 to 36 hours lessens the risk of getting the disease. Symptoms of Lyme Disease? A round red circle at the site of the tick bit. Other symptoms include:
Antibiotics eliminate the disease if they are used early on. They also prevent some long-term side effects. The most common drugs of choice are doxcycline or amoxicillin. Adults and children should take the drug for 21 days. Pregnant women might be given the drug for six weeks. If the disease is not diagnosed until later, ceftriaxone is used. Often the treatment continues for four to six months. If the disease has gone on for a year or more before treatment, IV drugs are need for about six to ten weeks. In all cases, it is also suggested that the patient take:
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