LYME DISEASE

In the past 20 years, Lyme disease has quickly become an important public health problem in some areas of the United States. Since its discovery in Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975, thousands of cases of the disease have been reported across the United States and around the world.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria called a spirochete. The disease is spread to humans by the bites of deer ticks infected with this bacteria. Deer ticks are tiny black-brown creatures no bigger than a poppy seed. They live in forests or grassy, wooded, marshy areas near rivers, lakes or oceans. Many people who have been infected with Lyme disease were bitten by deer ticks while hiking or camping, or during other outdoor activities in the summer or fall months.

The deer ticks that are infected with Lyme disease are commonly found in areas that have very low and high seasonal temperatures and high humidity. In the United States, Lyme disease is more common in the following regions:

· Northeast (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland)

· North central states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan)

· West Coast (California)

The first and most obvious symptom of Lyme disease is a rash surrounded by a light ring or halo, resembling a target. This is where your child was bitten and it may appear from three to 30 days after the bite occurred. Some people may have many rashes, and others may not notice a rash at all. Most people who develop the rash will not feel anything, but for others the rash may hurt, itch, burn or feel warm to the touch. The rash most commonly appears on the groin, thighs, trunk and armpits.

Other symptoms that often accompany the rash include

· Headache

· Chills

· Fever

· Fatigue

· Swollen glands

· Aches and pains in the muscles or joints

If your child develops the rash along with any of the symptoms listed above, call your pediatrician. For most people, Lyme disease can be easily recognized and treated. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress and become worse. In very rare cases, it can cause problems with vision and facial muscles, and can cause permanent damage to joints or the nervous system.