Use this page to access key information about Lyme Disease.
- Find generic information about Lyme Disease, it’s causes and where it’s commonly found.
- Gleam more specific information about Lyme Disease treatment .Also find information in regards to Lyme Disease symptoms and warning signs.
- What causes Lyme Disease? What can be done to prevent it? Find the answers in our full break-down of the illness.
Lyme disease
What is it?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted in the saliva of ticks of the Ixodes species, which pass the infection to humans from small mammals such as mice. The ticks also need large mammals such as deer to live on.
The disease is most common in areas of woodland and the peak of transmission is during the spring and the autumn. People who camp, walk or work in woodlands may be at risk of the disease. Pets such as dogs can also increase human exposure to the infection by bringing ticks into the home.
What does it do?
Around 7 to 10 days after a bite, Lyme disease symptoms start with, a characteristic rash develops, in the form of a spreading ring of red around a paler centre. The infection then begins to spread around the body, causing enlarged glands, fever and muscle ache. Headache is also a common symptom in the form of the disease found in the USA. Eventually, the infection can spread throughout the body, leading to joint pain, nerve paralysis and heart problems.
Where is it ?
Lyme disease is mainly present in the temperate forest of north-eastern USA. It is also present in northern Europe and southern Scandinavia.
Can it be treated?
Antibiotics are used for lyme disease treatment.
Can it be prevented?
There is no vaccine, so the key is preventing tick bites or spotting and dealing with them early. A tick has to feed on a human for 24 to 72 hours before transmitting the disease, so it’s important to look out for ticks and remove them promptly.
You should remove a tick with a pair of tweezers applied as close as possible to the skin, twisting while pulling gently. Squeezing the abdomen will force the tick’s stomach contents into the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
Danger rating: 1/10
