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Overseas information: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/Index.htm

Lyme disease 

An acute inflammatory disease characterised by skin changes, joint inflammation, and flu like symptoms, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by the bite of a deer tick.

Lyme disease was first described in the U.S. in the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut; in 1975, but has now been reported in most parts of the U.S. Most cases occur in the Northeast, upper Midwest, and the Pacific Coast. Mice and deer are the most commonly infected animals that serve as host to the tick. Most infections occur in the summer.

The disease is difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms mimic other diseases. A characteristic red rash usually occurs at the site of the bite; however, the bite may go unnoticed. A few months after the bite, muscle paralysis, joint inflammation, neurological symptoms and sometimes heart symptoms may occur. The initial infection is called primary Lyme disease. Secondary Lyme disease and tertiary Lyme disease may develop.

PREVENTION
When walking or hiking in tick infested areas, tuck long pants into socks to protect the legs, wear shoes and long sleeved shirts. Ticks will show up on white or light colours better than dark colours, making them easier to remove from your clothing. Check yourself and your pets frequently. If you find ticks, remove them immediately by using a tweezers, pulling carefully and steadily. Insect repellent may be helpful.

SYMPTOMS
- a flat or slightly raised red lesion (erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite
- expansion of the red lesion to several inches over several days
- fever
- headache
- lethargy
- muscle pains
- stiff neck
- joint inflammation in the knees and other large joints

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- itching, overall
- behavior, unusual or strange

TESTS
- Antibodies to B. Burgdorferi by immunofluorescence

TREATMENT
Antibiotics are prescribed based on disease stages and manifestations. Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to relieve joint stiffness.
If diagnosed in the early stages, the disease can be cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, complications involving joints, the heart, and the nervous system can occur.

Information mostly taken from: "International Travel and Health" (WHO year book - internet only)
Australian Immunisation Handbook, 8th Edition - 9/2003 - Part1 - Part 2 & Part 3 (large pdf files)
Centre for Disease Control, USA -  www.cdc.gov/travel Travel Health Seminar Oct 96, June 97,Feb 98, March 99, May 2000, August 2002 & March 2005 - Victorian Medical Postgraduate Foundation.
Manual of Travel Medicine, Melbourne, Oct 2004. Updated 18/09/2005.  Additional references & disclaimer.

  Last Update: 14-Sep-2005