Buzz
Lyme disease, the most well-known illness transmitted by ticks, is becoming more widespread than in the past—evidenced by health insurance records tracking Lyme diagnoses. Gizmodo recently highlighted new findings on this unfortunate rise, which aligns with CDC projections. What steps should you take to protect yourself and stay healthy?
What exactly is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease stems from the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted by blacklegged ticks, Ixodes scapularis. An infected tick bite can lead to the disease, often accompanied by a distinctive bullseye rash at the bite site, though not in every case.
Symptoms may start with fever and chills, progressing to more severe issues such as arthritis with joint pain and swelling, headaches, facial paralysis, heart palpitations, and sensations like tingling, numbness, or sharp pains in the hands and feet. For a comprehensive list of symptoms, visit the CDC's detailed guide here.
Antibiotics are effective in treating Lyme disease, though some symptoms might linger even after completing the treatment.
What are the best ways to prevent Lyme disease?
The key to preventing Lyme disease lies in avoiding tick bites. Essential strategies include applying DEET to your skin, treating clothing with permethrin, and conducting thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors, especially in areas where Lyme is prevalent. Since ticks often wander on the skin before biting, identifying and removing them promptly—by brushing them off or washing them away—can prevent bites.
The ticks responsible for Lyme disease don't exclusively target humans; they also feed on deer, rabbits, mice, and other animals. (For more insights into how ticks locate and bite their hosts, explore our additional resources.)
Who is at risk of contracting Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is most prevalent in the northeastern United States, stretching from West Virginia up to New England, as well as around the Great Lakes region, including Minnesota and Wisconsin. The ticks responsible for spreading the disease are gradually expanding their range, so individuals living in adjacent areas or those who have recently visited endemic regions may also be at risk.
How is Lyme disease treated?
In short, antibiotics are the primary treatment. Since Borrelia burgdorferi is a bacterium, it can be effectively eliminated with antibiotics, often doxycycline. Depending on your location and the prevalence of Lyme, your healthcare provider might test you for the disease before prescribing medication or may opt to prescribe antibiotics preemptively. It’s important to note that not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease.
In some cases, symptoms may continue even after treatment, a condition referred to by the CDC as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Although the bacteria are eradicated, they may have initiated an autoimmune response, resulting in persistent pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. The exact mechanisms of PTLDS remain unclear, as the syndrome is not yet fully understood.
Is Lyme disease a cosmic blessing?
A podcast clip has recently gained traction, featuring influencers who claim Lyme disease has an “intergalactic” origin and describe it as “a gift.” These ideas, however, are far from being supported by scientific evidence.
The trend of attributing a wide range of symptoms to chronic Lyme disease has become lucrative for self-proclaimed “Lyme literate” practitioners. Some celebrities and influencers have even adopted Lyme disease as a core part of their personal identity.
This trend often leads to costly treatments, such as prolonged antibiotic use, supplements, IV therapies, and other approaches not endorsed by mainstream medicine for Lyme or PTLDS, some of which may pose significant risks. If you believe you have Lyme disease, consult a trusted healthcare professional and be cautious of expensive, long-term treatment plans.
