Lyme Disease: What You Need To Know

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through bites from certain types of ticks, such as the Deer tick. 

How can I avoid getting it?

Avoid Lyme disease by avoiding tick bites. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Protection recommends using an insect repellent that contains 20% or more DEET on exposed skin and/or clothing.

Where is it most common?

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in temperate areas of North America and Europe. If you live or spend time in wooded areas where ticks carrying the disease thrive, you're more likely to get it. The risk of infection is greatest when ticks are active, in late spring and early summer. In the U.S., cases are concentrated heavily in the Northeast and upper Midwest.

What are signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms vary widely, ranging from a rash and flu-like symptoms to joint pain, or even heart problems in severe cases. The chart below shows some of the symptoms and their distribution of occurrence. Always consult your physician if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Symptoms

Source: CDC.gov Cases By Symptoms (www.cdc.gov/lyme/stats/chartstables/casesbysymptom.html) Disclaimer: Content does not indicate any form of endorsement or approval of the brand or its products by the CDC.

Learn more about Lyme Disease

U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention — Lyme Disease www.cdc.gov/lyme/