Originally published on May 9, 2009.
Lyme tick disease is a cruel illness, brought on by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migraines. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.”
The key to the disease is early detection; the CDC says many cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
But prevention remains the best course to follow: you can't get sick if you don't have the disease. The CDC website has several helpful methods to help you prevent catching lyme tick disease.
Click here to learn how to protect yourself from tick bites, how to control ticks around your home, and how to learn the early signs of the disease.
If you have been bitten by a tick, consult your doctor immediately. This is one disease where it is much better to be safe than sorry.
