Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the Borrelia bacterium. Some of the common species that cause the disease include Borrelia mayonii and Borrelia burgdorferi (Kowalski et al., 2010). The mode of infection is through biting a black-legged tick. However, the tick must be infected by the bacteria leading to direct transmission of the causative agent. Research has ruled out any human-to-human spreading (Kowalski et al., 2010). However, pregnant women can transmit the disease to unborn babies. Lyme disease has a wide array of symptoms that appear in different stages. In some instances, the stages tend to overlap. The early symptoms include a bump at the site of biting that resembles that of a mosquito bite. After a few days, the bump resolves and is not a definitive sign of Lyme disease (Stupica et al., 2012). After thirty days, erythema migrans or rashes tend to spread across the body, forming a bull's eye pattern. In most instances, the rash is neither itchy nor painful but can feel warm when touching. Erythema migrans are regarded as a cardinal sign of the illness. However, the symptom is not seen in every person with the disease (Kowalski et al., 2010). Other symptoms that accompany rash include fatigue, chills, fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Some patients also record cases of swollen lymph nodes. The later signs of the disease include continued rashes and joint pains that shift from one joint to another. Neurological problems can manifest through swelling meninges leading to meningitis (Stupica et al., 2012). Some patients exhibit paralysis on one side of the face initiating a disorder known as Bell’s palsy. The limbs can experience weakness or numbness. Instances of impaired muscle movement have also been reported.
Risk Factors
The physical location, such as where a person lives or has a vacation, can influence their chances of acquiring Lyme disease. Literature has shown that spending more time in grassy or wooded areas increases a person's chances of acquiring the illness. In the United States, the Midwest and Northeast areas are heavily wooded and are notorious for deer ticks (Kowalski et al., 2010). Exposure to the skin is another common risk factor associated with Lyme disease. Ticks tend to easily attach to the skin, and protecting oneself with long sleeves and long pants can be of significant help. Ticks are more affiliated with livestock and pets such as cows and dogs, respectively. Therefore, failure to treat these animals and allow them to visit the woods can be a significant risk factor. Failure to remove ticks promptly from the human body can be a substantial risk factor. Removing the ticks within the first few days reduces the risk associated with acquiring the disease. The body's immunity remains a significant risk factor for the development and severity of the symptoms. Thanks to underlying illnesses, individuals with weakened immunity can develop more severe and debilitating symptoms (Kowalski et al., 2010). The climate of an area is also an important risk factor in the onset, transmission, and distribution of the illness. For instance, research has shown that deer ticks are likely to survive and multiply when the temperatures are above 45˚F (Climate Change Indicators in the United States: Lyme Disease).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Incidents Rates
The incidence of Lyme disease in the United States has continued to increase over the past few decades. Between 1991 and 2014, the incidence of the disease doubled. In 1991, studies showed that the incidence was 3.74 cases per 100000 persons. In 2014, the incidence was 7.95 cases per 100000 persons (Climate Change Indicators in the United States: Lyme Disease). The states that have recorded the largest increase in incidences include Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire. The states are now identifying up to 100 more cases than they did in 1991.
Preventive Measures
Prevention measures primarily depend on an individual's ability to void tick-prone areas, particularly the bushy and wooded regions. However, when compelled to visit these areas, individuals are advised to cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts, gloves, long pants, and hats. The use of insect repellants remains another preventable aspect of consideration (Stupica et al., 2012). Parents are advised to apply the repellants, which eventually help them passively stay away from the ticks. Individuals are advised to remove ticks from their body surfaces immediately after they spot them. The more a tick stays in the human body, the more likely it can transmit the disease. Tick-proofing the yard or the environment is also a crucial preventive measure (Stupica et al., 2012). Some of the measures that people can take include clearing bushes and treating potential areas where ticks live.
Treatment
Treatment with antibiotics during the early stages of the disease leads to recovery. The most commonly used antibiotics include cefuroxime, amoxicillin, and doxycycline. Persons treated with these medications at an early stage recover completely (Sanchez et al., 2016). Intravenous treatment is required for individuals with cardiac and neurological complications. The most commonly used intravenous medications include penicillin and ceftriaxone. Antibiotics taken by mouth can initiate treatment within the first few weeks. Oral antibiotics are regarded as the standard for the treatment of Lyme disease. Symptoms such as rashes can be treated with ointment applied locally on the body (Sanchez et al., 2016). Other manifestations such as pain and fatigue are treated using analgesics and painkillers. The complications are treated per their manifestations.
References
Climate Change Indicators in the United States: Lyme Disease. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2017-02/documents/print_lyme_2016.pdf
Kowalski, T. J., Tata, S., Berth, W., Mathiason, M. A., & Agger, W. A. (2010). Antibiotic treatment duration and long-term outcomes of patients with early Lyme disease from a Lyme disease–hyperendemic area. Clinical Infectious Diseases , 50 (4), 512-520.
Sanchez, E., Vannier, E., Wormser, G. P., & Hu, L. T. (2016). Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis: a review. Jama , 315 (16), 1767-1777.
Stupica, D., Lusa, L., Ružić-Sabljić, E., Cerar, T., & Strle, F. (2012). Treatment of erythema migrans with doxycycline for 10 days versus 15 days. Clinical Infectious Diseases , 55 (3), 343-350.
