Lyme disease is the result of an infection caused from a tick bite. Lyme disease is named after the city of Lyme, Connecticut, where it was first recognized. The infection can lead to inflammation and symptoms in many areas of the body, making the diagnosis very difficult sometimes.

Only certain species of ticks carrying the infecting bacteria can transmit Lyme disease. The bacterium that causes Lyme disease is called Borrelia burgdorferi. In the U.S., the disease occurs most often in the summer months, when outdoor activity is the greatest. Tick bites most frequently occur when people are near a wooded area, especially during hiking or camping. Even though Lyme disease can occur in any area, highest rate is seen in states along the northeast coast from Maryland to Massachusetts, the Midwest, especially Wisconsin and Minnesota and parts of California.

Unfortunately, only about one-third of people remember being bitten by a tick when they come to the doctor. This is because ticks are very small and their bite may go unnoticed. The first clue of this infection is often an unusual rash. This rash usually starts out as a red dot or bump at the site of the tick bite. This area of redness expands quickly, generally to around 5 or 6 inches wide. The rash is usually painless, though often warm to the touch. As the edges of the rash expand, the center of the rash often clears up. The common areas of the rash are the thigh, groin and armpit. After the initial rash, further small rashes can appear in other locations.

Along with the rash most people complain of a flu-like illness, fatigue, headaches, fever, chills, stiff neck, joint pains or muscle aches. Swollen lymph nodes, commonly called "glands," may also be seen. If treatment is not given or sought at this point, the disease may continue to progress. Many other symptoms can occur over time involving different areas of the body and are known as the late symptoms.

The diagnosis of Lyme disease is often suspected after the history and physical examination of the affected person and is usually confirmed with blood tests. Other tests may include testing a piece of skin or fluid withdrawn from the spinal column or a swollen joint.

The treatment of Lyme disease mainly involves the use of antibiotics. If the disease is diagnosed, antibiotic pills can be given immediately. If treatment is delayed or any late symptoms appear, then antibiotics are given by injections or an IV tube. Symptoms may continue after treatment, especially in the case where the nervous system has become involved. The total course of treatment is usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks in either setting.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has recently approved a vaccine for Lyme disease. Currently, this vaccine is recommended only for people between the ages 15 to 70 who live, work, travel to or engage in recreational activities, in the high-risk areas. The vaccine is given as a series of three injections over the course of one year. A person should get in touch with their doctor if concerned about the Lyme disease or if interested in the vaccine.

Lyme disease is generally only a problem for those exposed to ticks in high-risk areas. It can also cause a wide range of symptoms, most of which are reversible with treatment. A new vaccine that is available should be able to prevent a fair number of cases of this infection. Those who experience a tick bite should watch for the symptoms of Lyme disease and contact a doctor immediately.

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