$Unique_ID{BRK02014}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Recognizing the Symptoms of Lyme Disease}
$Subject{Lyme Disease tick bite tick bites LD spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi
rash weariness fatigue chills fever stiff neck headaches headache muscle pain
joint pain doxycycline tetracycline amoxicillin}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Ticks Transmit Lyme Disease*0005201.scf
Protection from Ticks*0005202.scf
First Sign of Lyme Disease*0005203.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Recognizing the Symptoms of Lyme Disease


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QUESTION:  I am worried about Lyme Disease.  I know that you can get it from a
tick bite, but what are the early signs I should be looking for?  Is there any
treatment available if you do get the infection, and what are they?  Please
answer this question before we get too far into the Spring season, when it
would be the most helpful.

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ANSWER:  You are right, it is time to include some information about Lyme
Disease (LD).  About 80 percent of the cases reported in Connecticut, where
the disease was first discovered in the town of Lyme, take place in June and
July, and the "season" for Lyme Disease extends between April and October.
That is the time when the ticks which carry the infection are most active.
The cause of the infection is a spirochete, called Borrelia burgdorferi.  Not
every tick harbors this organism, so not every tick bite will provoke an
infection.  And in many cases where the infection is transmitted, the patient
did not recall being bitten.
     Symptoms of the first stage of LD may begin anytime from one day to one
month after the bite, but occur most often at about 7 days.  At least 75
percent of the patients develop a rash at the site of the bite.  As the
organism reproduces within the skin it produces a red, raised rash that grows
outward.  Often there is a central area that becomes clear, giving an annular
or ring-like appearance to the rash.  The most common areas for the appearance
of this rash are the thigh, buttock and armpit (axilla), and often more than
one lesion develops.
     The rash is accompanied by flu-like symptoms that include weariness and
fatigue, chills and fever, stiff neck, headaches, as well as muscle and joint
pain.  At this stage it is classified as "early localized disease" and is
treated with antibiotics.  At present the recommendations include the use of
doxycycline, tetracycline or amoxicillin in appropriate doses, four times a
day for a period of 4 weeks.  If the disease progresses, intravenous
antibiotic therapy is used.
     Just an added note.  Prevention is still my favorite form of medicine,
and carefully preparing for your outings with clothes that cover and protect
can help you avoid the possibility of bites and the resulting infections.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.