Lyme disease is a bacterial infection, which is characterized by a rash that appears on the skin. A person with this disease will also have swells in joints and will experience symptoms related to flu. The nervous system is also at risk of being affected. The bacteria that causes this disease is known as a spirochete commonly referred to as the borellia burgdorferi. This bacterium has been linked to ticks that are found on deer and mice. People living in grassy areas as well as those in wooded areas are at a higher risk of contracting it since many mice and deer are present here.
This disease is most common in the Pacific Northwest, northeast and Midwest states. A person will acquire this disease if they happen to be bitten by this tick. This disease is not contagious and only those bitten by the tick will have it. The symptoms that are associated with Lyme disease include a circular skin rash, which looks like a bulls-eye. The bulls eye effect is experienced in the form of a red spot that is centrally located on the skin and surrounded by a red rash. This rash, in many cases, is neither itchy nor painful but rather warm to the touch. This rash is more prominent in people with lighter skins as those with darker skins find it hard to tell since it only appears as a bruise. This rash will be seen after about 2 weeks and will not disappear until a month is over. One will also suffer from fever, headaches, muscle pain, a stiff neck, as well as swelling of various joints in the body. A doctor will subject the patient to tests, which determines whether this is Lyme disease.
Adverse effects of this disease can be facial paralysis, which is caused by an infected nervous system. Other after-effects of this condition include numbness and tingling, which is experienced in the legs and arms. If these symptoms are left unattended, they could result to stiff necks and headaches, which could translate into meningitis. Other effects that will be experienced as a result of untreated Lyme disease include memory lapses and arthritis, which will specifically affect the knees. These symptoms are most common with adults than children. Treatment of this disease is varied according to the stage of the disease. If it is detected early, the patient will be given an antibiotics prescription. It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible since this condition could adversely affect the nervous system, the joints, and the heart, which are all very sensitive. However, if left untreated, these symptoms may disappear for a while, though there is risk of the infection spreading to other body parts.
Thorough medical tests are recommended to rule out Lyme disease and initiate treatment if it is detected. The slightest symptoms must be reported to the doctor since they are similar to flu and it is important to know what the problem is early enough. As a safety precaution, clear bushes around the house reduce chances of infection.
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