Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by a spirochete bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to animals and man through the bite of infected ticks.
Is Lyme disease contagious?
This a question often asked. The answer is no, Lyme Disease in not contagious. Lyme disease bacteria are NOT transmitted from person-to-person. For example, you cannot get infected from touching or kissing a person who has Lyme disease, or from a health care worker who has treated a patient with the disease, or by having sex with someone.
Where is Lyme disease found?
Lyme disease can be found all over the United States, but it is most common along the East Coast, the Great Lakes, and the Pacific Northwest. Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Wisconsin account for about 90% of all cases.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Lyme disease can be easy to diagnose when someone gets the donut-shaped rash. It is much harder to diagnose without the rash because its other symptoms mimic other diseases. To help diagnose Lyme Disease in these cases, doctors can ask laboratories to test their patients' blood for antibodies to the Lyme disease bacteria.
How is Lyme disease treated?
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics if it is diagnosed early. Prompt treatment of early symptoms can prevent later, more serious problems.
Can Lyme disease be misdiagnosed as something else?
Lyme disease is sometimes misdiagnosed as but not limited to:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Lupus
- Rheumatic Fever
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Lou Gehrig's Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
Lyme disease can also imitate many neuralgic and psychiatric disorders including:
- Manic depression
- Paranoia
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Dementia
How do I protect myself from tick bites?
When working outdoors or hiking in a tick infested area always wear a long sleeve shirt and long pants. Preferably, pants with a blousing strap on the bottom should be worn. If you do not have pants that cinch at the ankles then you can tuck your pants in your socks. As little skin as possible should be exposed.
Do dogs get Lyme Disease?
Yes, dogs can get Lyme Disease as well as other companion animals such as cats. Check your dog regularly for ticks. If you suspect that your dog has Lyme Disease let your veterinarian know right away.
