About Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease affecting multiple organ systems, typically caused by bacterial infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi; most often acquired from the bite of an infected Ixodes "deer" tick. The disease usually presents with a skin rash and may be accompanied by non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, headache and fatigue. In its late stage it may affect the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular or nervous systems. Lyme Disease is effectively cured with antibiotic treatment when diagnosed in its early stage. Treatment is also effective in late stage disease, although individual response varies and permanent damage can occur.
Lyme dis·ease
| noun |
an inflammatory disease typically caused by infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi; most often acquired from the bite of an infected Ixodes tick.
Electron micrograph of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (National Institutes of Health)
RESOURCES
Learn more about Lyme Disease and its prevention with our online resources and documents.