Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, is contracted from the bite of a spirochete-infected tick. In humans, infection with Lyme disease bacteria can lead to problems related to the nervous system, heart, joints, eyes and even the brain.

Lyme disease can physically, mentally and emotionally devastate entire families, and the economic burden is overwhelming.  However, a little awareness can go a long way in preventing that devastation.

Test Your Knowledge

Circle T for true and F for false:

A blood test can determine whether or not you have Lyme Disease.  T F

FALSE -  The CDC currently recommends a two-test approach (ELISA & Western Blot).  The optimum time for Lyme disease blood testing is about 4-6 weeks after a tick bite or initial Lyme disease symptoms.  Testing before this time may be prematurely negative.

Lyme disease symptoms always include a bull's-eye rash.     T F

FALSE – Only 60-80% of people who get Lyme disease develop a noticeable rash. 
A red circular rash or multiple rashes may appear within a few days of the bite, within a month or not at all.

Flu-like symptoms are common in early Lyme disease.    T F

TRUE – These symptoms often include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, backache, stiff neck, muscle and/or joint pain.

Proper tick removal includes pulling the tick straight out from your skin with fine-point tweezers.    T    F

TRUE – Do not twist or squeeze the body of the tick. Be patient, proper tick removal takes time.  Do not use petroleum jelly, lit matches, oils, or any other remedies to remove ticks.  After removing the tick, disinfect the tick bite area and wash your hands.  Monitor the area for early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Lyme disease are critical in preventing chronic disease.  People with Lyme disease usually recover if diagnosed early and treated with proper antibiotics. However, some patients with chronic Lyme disease have symptoms for more than one year before being correctly diagnosed.

One obstacle to quick diagnosis is that the test results for Lyme disease are often unreliable. It's possible to test negative but actually have the disease.

If you are concerned that you may have contracted Lyme disease, it is important to seek a medical evaluation from a physician who specializes in Lyme disease, such as an infectious disease specialist.  A physician who has experience treating Lyme patients can make a diagnosis based on symptoms and history, and not on test results alone.

This information is provided by Robert D. Walsh, MD, PhD, an Infectious Disease Specialist on the Medical Staff at Eastern Long Island Hospital.