Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a tick-borne bacteria. People most at risk for developing Lyme disease are those who spend a lot of time in areas where there is a high density of infected ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were over 23,000 cases of Lyme disease reported in 2005. Early diagnosis and early treatment are very important.

• Guide to Lyme Disease
• Lyme Disease Screening Quiz
• The Lyme Disease Photo Gallery

According to the American College of Rheumatology, Lyme disease may cause a skin rash in its early stage. This rash, known as erythema migrans, starts as a small red mark and, over subsequent days, gradually enlarges in diameter to at least two inches and sometimes as large as 10 or more inches. If the rash goes unnoticed and untreated, or does not occur (as is the case about 10-25 percent of the time), the bacterium may spread through the bloodstream to the rest of the body initiating an early disseminated stage of infection which occurs in the weeks following the tick bite.

In later stages, Lyme disease can affect the joints, nervous system, and other organs. Fatigue, sleep problems, muscle and joint pain can linger in late stage Lyme disease. An appropriate course of antibiotics is necessary to treat Lyme disease. Arthritis can develop in late stage Lyme disease. Swelling of one or both knees is common with Lyme arthritis but other joints of the body can also be affected. During Lyme Disease Awareness Month, it's important to recognize early symptoms of Lyme disease. It's also important to be aware of certain precautions you can take to prevent Lyme disease.

More Related Resources:

• Fast Facts About Lyme Disease
• Test Your Knowledge: Lyme Disease
• How to Protect Yourself Against Lyme Disease

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• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum

_{Photos © A.D.A.M.; Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention}