Lyme disease is an infectious condition that is triggered by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. This bacterium is transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected deer tick. This tick usually becomes infected after feeding on an infected mice or deer.
The tick should be present on the skin for 24-48 hours to pass on the infection. Many individuals who have Lyme disease were not able to recall of being bit by a tick. Those who reside or spend a lot of time in wooded areas are likely to acquire this condition. In addition, those who have domesticated animals that are allowed to wander in wooded areas are also at risk.
Indications of Lyme disease
Lyme disease is characterized by 3 phases. The symptoms that will manifest depends on the phase the disease is in.
Early localized disease
The signs and symptoms usually start 1-2 weeks after getting a bite from a tick. An early sign is the “bull’s-eye” rash which indicates that bacteria are multiplying in the bloodstream. The rash develops at the site of the tick bite as a central red spot bordered by a clear spot with a region of redness at the perimeters. It might be warm to the touch but not itchy or painful. After 4 weeks, the rash will vanish.
Early disseminated Lyme disease
This phase occurs several weeks after a tick bite where the bacteria starts to spread all over the body. This phase is characterized by flu-like symptoms such as the following:
- Fever and chills
- Sore throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Visual changes
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
The rash might also spread in other parts other than the tick bite.
Late disseminated Lyme disease
This occurs once the infection has not been properly treated in the earlier phases. This can last for weeks, months or even years after a bite and characterized by the following:
- Arthritis affecting one or several large joints in the body
- Severe headache
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Brain disorders
- Mental fogginess
- Short-term memory loss
- Numbness in the legs, arms, feet or hands
A doctor should be consulted right away if any of these symptoms are present.
Management of Lyme disease
Lyme disease is ideally managed in the early phases. Prompt treatment involves a simple 14-21-day course of oral antibiotics. This works by eliminating all traces of infection. The commonly used medications to treat Lyme disease include the following:
- Doxycycline – use for adults and children older than 8
- Cefuroxime and amoxicillin for younger children, adults and women who are breastfeeding
The persistent or chronic cases of Lyme disease is managed using intravenous antibiotics for 14-21 days to eliminate the infection. Nevertheless, the improvement of the symptoms occurs in a slow manner.