Watch out!
Lyme disease, the most wide-spread, debilitating and difficult to diagnose -- vector-borne (animal transmitted) illness in the northern hemisphere, is on the rise once again, experts say.
According to information provided by Wayne Memorial Hospital Public Relations Manager Lisa Champeau, 22 percent of those tested for Lyme in July came up positive, as opposed to just 8.5 percent of those tested in June and 3.5 percent in May.
Lyme disease, (or Lyme borreliosis) is an infectious disease caused by at least three species of bacteria belonging to the genus Borrwlia. The disease is named after the town of Lyme, CT, where a number of cases were identified in 1975. Borrelia is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks belonging to a few species. In our area, the deer tick is by far the most common carrier.
Early symptoms of the disease can include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a distinct circulare (bullseye) rash, though this is not always present. Left untreated, later symptoms may involve the joints, heart, and central nervous system. In most cases, if the illness is treated early by antibiotics, the symptoms are eliminated. Delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to the more serious symptoms, which can be disabling and difficult to treat.
If you are aware of anyone with Lyme disease who is putting off treatment because of the expense involved, call any member of the Lyme disease Foundation Board.
Column Posted on Web Site November 17, 2011
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