Lyme disease, first named in 1977, is caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected deer ticks. In 2002, the ticks caused 23,000 infections in the United States.

Typical Early Symptoms

• A red or "bull's-eye" rash (usually radiating from the site of the tick bite)
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches and pains
• Chills

Treatment

• Oral antibiotics for three to four weeks

Who is At Risk?

"Persons in endemic areas who frequent sites where infected ticks are common, such as grassy or wooded locations favored by white-tailed deer in the northeastern and upper midwest states, and along the northern Pacific coast of California.*"

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