Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease

Why in the news?

 Recently, a case of Lyme disease, a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, was found in a 56-year-old man from Koovappadi, Ernakulam.

Important points:

• Lyme disease was first identified and named in 1976.
• It is now the most common tick-borne infection in the United States.

About Lyme disease:

• Lyme disease is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
• It is transmitted primarily to humans through the bites of infected black-legged ticks.
• Black-legged ticks are also known as deer ticks.
• Typically, a large, red spot appears at the site of the bite and slowly grows, often surrounded by several red rings.
• Lyme disease does not spread through air, food or water.
• It is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas throughout the world, especially during the warmer months.
• Lyme disease is most commonly reported in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Symptoms of Lyme disease:

• Lyme disease typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive "bull's-eye" red rash called erythema migrans (EM).
• The initial symptoms of Lyme disease appear between 3 and 30 days after the bite of an infected tick.
• If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system.

Treatment of Lyme disease:

• Erythema migrans serves as a specific sign, aiding early diagnosis and management of this tick-borne disease.
• The standard treatment for Lyme disease is antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, especially in the early stages.
• In later stages, intravenous antibiotics may be required.

                                                           Source: The Times of India