Each year, approximately 476,000 people are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease in the United States. A new vaccine has proven 70% effective at preventing Lyme disease during a clinical trial, and may soon be reviewed for use in the United States and Europe.
What is Lyme disease, and how does it spread?
Lyme disease is an infection you can get from being bitten by a deer tick. It is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease, but ticks that do are most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. In general, an infected tick must be attached to you for 24 hours before transmitting the infection.
What are the early symptoms of Lyme disease?
The most notable early symptom of Lyme disease is a red bullseye-shaped rash where you were bitten by a tick. This typically appears between one and four weeks after the bite. It can range from the size of a dime to the full width of your body, and appears in approximately 7 out of 10 people with Lyme disease. Other early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, joint and neck stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Early detection of Lyme disease is important to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Over time, symptoms can increase in severity and lead to lifelong complications.
Is there a way to prevent Lyme disease?
Warmer temperatures are contributing to ticks living longer, breeding more, and spreading into new areas. This surge in the tick population puts more people at greater risk for contracting Lyme disease.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to protect against tick bites. This includes avoiding tick-friendly places, like wooded areas or heavy brush. If you have to spend time in these places, stay on cleared pathways and wear long pants, long sleeves, and bug spray. The Environmental Protection Agency has an online tool you can use to check if your bug spray will protect you against ticks.
Even after taking these precautions, it is important to check for ticks on your body after spending time outdoors. Pets can also bring ticks into your house. If you find a tick on yourself or a pet, removing it early will help reduce the chance of contracting Lyme disease.
A new vaccine has proven 70% effective at preventing Lyme disease during a clinical trial, and may soon be reviewed for use in the United States and Europe. Before it is released, the vaccine will undergo rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Who is at greatest risk for contracting Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states—particularly in areas with lots of deer that carry deer ticks. The risk of infection is greater in the spring, summer, and fall, but ticks can be active any time the temperature is above freezing.
People who spend time outdoors in tick-friendly places, such as hikers, campers, gardeners, landscapers, or dog owners, may also be at greater risk for contracting Lyme disease.
Is there a way to treat Lyme disease?
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Lyme disease, but the exact type of antibiotic will depend on the stage and severity of your infection. Without antibiotics, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and lead to serious complications. The earlier treatment is initiated, the more likely it is to be effective.
