Lyme Disease Long Island

Causes

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi). Blacklegged ticks carry these bacteria. The ticks pick up the bacteria when they bite mice or deer that are infected with Lyme disease. You can get the disease if you are bitten by an infected tick. Lyme disease was first reported in the United States in the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975. In the
United States, most Lyme disease infections occur in the following areas:Northeastern states, from Virginia to Maine, North-central states, mostly in Wisconsin and Minnesota, and West Coast, particularly northern California. 

There are 3 stages of Lyme disease: Stage 1 is called early localized Lyme disease. The infection is not yet widespread throughout the body. Stage 2 is called early disseminated Lyme disease. The bacteria have begun to spread throughout the body. Stage 3 is called late disseminated Lyme disease. The bacteria have spread throughout the body.

Risk factors for Lyme disease include: Doing outside activities that increase tick exposure (for example, gardening, hunting, or hiking) in an area where Lyme disease is known to occur, having a pet that may carry ticks home, and walking in high grasses. 

Important facts about tick bites and Lyme disease: In most cases, a tick must be attached to your body for 24 – 36 hours to spread the bacteria to your blood. Blacklegged ticks can be so small that they are almost impossible to see. Many people with Lyme disease never even saw a tick on their body. Most people who are bitten by a tick do not get Lyme disease.  

Symptoms  

Body-wide itching
Chills
Fever
General ill-feeling
Headache
Light-headedness or fainting
Muscle pain
Stiff neck
Muscle pain and pain or swelling in the knees and other large joints
Heart problems, such as skipped heartbeats (palpitations)
Abnormal muscle movement
Muscle weakness

If you have been bit by a tick or have any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention.