Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread by ticks, and it’s the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. This disease is more prevalent in certain areas of the country, most notably the Northeast.

In this blog post, we will explore Lyme disease in more detail, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition caused by Borrelia bacteria that are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Symptoms vary but can include fever, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic bullseye rash.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause long-term complications, such as cognitive impairment, joint pain, and fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease are essential to prevent long-term complications.

Causes of Lyme disease

Lyme disease is caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected black-legged tick. The trick is usually found in heavily wooded areas and can affect humans and animals, such as deer and mice.

The tick must remain attached for 36 to 48 hours to transmit the disease. When the tick is removed, it should be saved in a sealed container and tested for Lyme disease.