Lyme disease is the most common arthropod-borne disease in the United States with about 150,000 reported cases, according to the American Lyme Disease Association. Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that is carried by the deer tick and transferred to humans through a bite. The symptoms of Lyme disease affect many different systems in the body, but when caught early it can be completely cured through treatment.
Skin Rash
The first symptom of Lyme disease is usually a rash that initially appears at the site of the tick bite. This rash, known as an erythema migrans (EM), occurs in 70 to 80 percent of all patients with Lyme disease as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rash can appear any time from three to 30 days after the bite and will expand, reaching up to 12 inches wide. As the rash grows, the middle of the rash may clear making it appear like a bull's-eye. Additional lesions can occur in other areas of the body. Although the lesions are not painful or itchy, they may feel warm to touch.
Flulike Symptoms
About 10 days after the tick bite, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and after the rash has begun, flulike symptoms will occur. This includes fever, chills, headache, fatigue and muscle aches.
Joint Inflammation
As the infection progresses, it can begin to affect the joints. Joint pain that moves from one joint to another is commonly experienced. If left untreated for several months, the CDC reports that up to 60 percent of patients will experience arthritislike symptoms including severe joint pain and swelling. The most commonly affected joint is the knee, although others may be affected.
Neurological
Lyme disease can trigger inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain, known as the meninges. This is a condition known as meningitis which can cause symptoms such as fever, stiff neck and severe headache.
The inflammation around the brain can interfere with the nerves resulting in a variety of conditions. Bell's palsy, temporary paralysis of the facial muscles, is one neurological effect. Other neurological effects include visual disturbances, irritability, decreased concentration, inhibition of memory and sleep disorders. Nerve damage can also occur in the arms or legs resulting in numbness or a tingling sensation in the hands or feet.
