Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria. Infected ticks spread the bacteria by biting people or animals.

Two types of ticks carry the Lyme disease bacteria in the U.S. They are:

• Deer ticks. They spread the disease in the Northeast and Midwest.
• Western black-legged ticks. They spread the disease along the Pacific coast, mostly in northern California and Oregon.

Dogs, cats, and horses can become infected with Lyme disease bacteria, but they can't pass the illness to humans. But infected ticks may fall off the animals and then bite and infect humans.

The symptoms of Lyme disease depend on the stage of the disease. You may first notice symptoms weeks to months after the tick bite. If the disease isn't treated, it may progress from mild symptoms to serious, long-term disabilities.

• In the first stage, you may have a rash at the site of the tick bite. You may also have a lack of energy or a headache and stiff neck. Sometimes people have no symptoms at this stage.
• In the second stage, symptoms may include memory problems and pain and weakness in the arms and legs.
• In the third stage, symptoms may include swelling and pain (like arthritis) in the joints, not being able to control facial muscles, and numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, or back. You may have heart problems.

If you don't have symptoms during stage 1, your first symptoms may be those found in stage 2 or 3.

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. Most people are treated with antibiotics that are taken by mouth. But sometimes antibiotics through a vein (I.V.) are needed.

It's important to get treatment for Lyme disease as soon as you can. If it goes untreated, Lyme disease can lead to problems with your skin, joints, nervous system, and heart. These can occur weeks, months, or even years after your tick bite. The problems often get better with antibiotics. But in rare cases, they can last the rest of your life.

Even after successful treatment for Lyme disease, you can get it again. So it's important to keep protecting yourself against tick bites.

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine if needed, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You are confused or cannot think clearly.
• You have a headache or stiff neck.
• You have a new or worse rash.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have new or worse weakness or muscle pain.
• You have new joint pain.
• You do not get better as expected.