June 20, 2015

Lyme Disease

Facts: Lyme disease is a curable infectious disease. It occurs when a deer tick that is infected with the spirochete bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi bites a human and transmits the bacteria to the human. Deer ticks are tiny (nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed and adults, the size of a sesame seed) and their bites are painless, so most will not know that you’ve been bitten. Most bites occur on moist area of the body: the armpits, groin, back of knees, belt line and back of neck at hairline. The bacteria usually produce a rash (50-80%) and mild flu-like symptoms at first. After weeks and months symptoms such as heart (8%) and nervous system problems (10%) and arthritis may develop. Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotic treatment. Endemic areas of the United States include the North Eastern, Mid Atlantic and North Central states, as well as some areas of the north Pacific coast. The Poconos mountains area is affected. Children tend to get Lyme disease more often than adults because they tend to play in the tall grass and woods where deer ticks live. Dr. Bard has completed her fellowship under the mentorship of a premier expert in Lyme Disease. If you feel you have contracted this condition, call our office to schedule an appointment.

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