 Overview
Lyme
disease is a complex illness affecting humans and domestic animals caused by a
corkscrew-shaped bacterium. First noted in 1977, the disease has rapidly
spread throughout the US and Canada aided by migrating birds.
In
addition to tick bites, Lyme disease may be spread by contact with body fluids
of infected individuals. Further, transmission may be possible from
animals to humans. People and animals may be reinfected with Lyme
disease after previously having it.
The symptoms of
this illness have now been separated into three stages.
If caught before the end of the first stage, the illness is usually
easily treated by antibiotics.
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In
general, a high fever combined with stiffness or arthritic
symptoms can indicate Lyme disease.
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The
next two stages represent greater systematic involvement and
include the nervous system and the heart.
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If
still untreated, the third stage involves the musculoskeletal system.
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Treatment consists of several broad spectrum antibiotics -- including
tetracycline, penicillin, and erythromycin.
This is effective, especially in the early stages. Lyme disease can
be fairly easy to treat with antibiotics if caught early.
Problems occur when it is left untreated.
Vaccination
There is a vaccination against Lyme disease for humans that is now available
though it apparently causes or aggravates arthritis in about 6% of recipients.
(This is a HUGE percentage!)
Sources
for additional information on Lyme disease:
P.O.
Box 462
Tolland,
Connecticut 06084
(203)
871-2900
(800)
886-LYME
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The
Lyme Disease Electronic Mail Network publishes the "LymeNet
Newsletter" once every 10-15 days.
The Newsletter contains timely news about the Lyme disease
epidemic. Medical abstracts,
treatment protocols, prevention information, and political happenings are
all included. In addition,
subscribers may ask questions to the patients, doctors and researchers on
the net.
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