Lyme disease is a bacterial illness caused by a bacterium called a "spirochete." The actual name of the bacterium is Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease is carried by ticks found on deer in the wild. The disease is spread to humans when a tick bites the skin of an unsuspecting person. The results can be catastophic if not detected early and treated appropriately.
Lyme Disease is diagnosed clinically, as no currently available test, no matter the source or type, is definitive in ruling in or ruling out infection. The first stage of Lyme disease symptoms, called early localized stage, may include: a red-ringed bull's-eye rash which is the most well known symptom (Not all persons develop the initial skin rash contrary to popular belief). Because of this, many infected persons are misdiagnosed and go untreated despite having other clear symptoms of Lyme Disease. The disease is often misdiagnosed as many illnesses including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Rheumatic Fever, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease,
Parkinson's Disease and other maladies.
If left untreated Lyme Disease can detroy lives. The disease can have a dramatic effect on the lives of the carrier in many ways. In late stages the disease can be quite painful and dibilitating leaving many unable to work any longer. Treatment can be costly, even if you have insurance. Some insurance companies refuse to pay for certain treatment approaches despite physicians advice. This leaves many Lyme Disease sufferers costly expenses which they can not afford because they are unable to work.
As you can see, this is not a situation that you want to be in. That is why you must take precautions when in known tick infested areas.
Rob - TargetLyme.com
