Lyme Disease A Rapidly Spreading Infectious Disease

Introduction Lyme disease is a rapidly spreading infectious disease in the United States, with over 25,000 confirmed cases in 2013.5 It was first discovered in the early-1970’s in the town of Lyme, Connecticut when a group of children started to present with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Some of these children presented with a rash and researchers connected the symptoms to occurring during peak tick season. By the mid-1970’s, the researchers began describing the symptoms and coining the term â€Å"Lyme disease† to help doctors diagnose the condition. The cause, however, was not discovered until 1981 by researchers at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana and finally the connection between deer ticks and Lyme disease was†¦show more content†¦Typically, the rash will gradually expand over a period of several days and can reach up to a foot across and will feel warm to the touch. As it expands, the center of the rash will clear forming a ring and giving it the â€Å"bull’s eye† appearance. The rash will only appear in 70-80% of infected individuals.2 the individual may present with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, chills, fever, headache, lethargy, myalgias or arthralgias.1 Stage 2 or the disseminated infection, is when neurological symptoms (15% of cases) such as stiff neck, mild headache, and difficulty with mentation will appear. Bell’s Palsy may also occur at this point. Approximately half of undiagnosed cases will develop Lyme arthritis and changing musculoskeletal pain.1 Swelling and pain in large joints as well as shooting pains that wake individuals at night may occur. There may be additional EM rashes over various parts of the body as well as heart palpitations and dizziness due to changes in heartbeat, which is known as Lyme carditis.2 This will begin days to weeks after the spirochete has spread.1 These symptoms may resolve on their own over weeks to months, but if Lyme is left untreated, it can result in long term symptoms and conditions or Stage 3.2 Stage 3 or late persistent infection will present months after the initial infection. 60% of untreated cases will develop intermittent arthritis causing severe joint pain and swelling. Additionally, approximately 5% will develop