LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is a subacute inflammatory disorder caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, a nonpyogenic spirochete transmitted by Ixodes scapularis (see image the end of this article), the deer tick bite, in the eastern U.S. and I. pacificus, the western black-legged tick, in the western U.S. Ticks live in wooded area and survive by attaching to a host. And tick nymphs are thought to be responsible for about 90% of transmission to human beings.

Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. Variations in clinical features or severity from one patient to another may be due to inborn variations in immune response, perhaps linked to the human lymphocytic antigen system. The specific symptoms are depend on stages.

First Stage : Early localized infection

• Symptoms occur several days to month following the bite.
• Flulike symptoms
• Small red pimple that becomes ring-shaped rash (see image on the end of this article), and it can be large or small

Second Stage: Early disseminated infection

• Symptoms occurs several week following the bite.
• Neurological complication
• Joint pain
• Cardiac complication

Third Stage: Late persistent infection

• Large joints becomes involved
• Arthritis progresses

CARE INTERVENTIONS:

1. Remove the tick with tweezers gently, wash skin with antiseptic.
2. Take a blood test for 4 – 6 weeks following a bite to detect the presence of lyme disease.
3. Antibiotics as prescribed if the lyme disease is confirmed.
4. Avoid area that contain ticks (wood area, grassy area) especially in summer.
5. Wear long-sleeved tops long pants, close shoes and hat while outside
6. It is recommended to spray the body with tick repellent before going outside.

Images are here :


ring-shaped rash



Ixodes scapularis, the primary vector of Lyme disease in eastern North America




Nymphal and adult deer ticks can be carriers of Lyme disease.