Overview of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as a deer tick. The disease is named after the town of Lyme, Connecticut, where a cluster of cases was first identified in 1975.

Lyme disease is most common in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central regions of the United States, but it can occur in other parts of the country as well. It is also found in other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary, but often include a characteristic rash that looks like a bull’s eye, fatigue, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause more serious symptoms, such as arthritis, heart palpitations, and neurological problems.

Treatment for Lyme disease typically involves a course of antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin. In most cases, treatment is successful and patients recover fully. However, some people may experience ongoing symptoms, such as fatigue and joint pain, after treatment, a condition known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The cause of this condition is not fully understood and there is no cure, but some people may find relief from symptoms through various treatments, such as physical therapy and pain management.