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Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease Overview

Lyme disease, sometimes referred to as Lyme infection, is a bacterial illness, transmitted to humans by the bite of deer ticks (Ixodes ticks) carrying a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease has been reported in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, North Central, and Pacific coastal regions of the United States (see map) and in Europe, where it was first described almost 100 years ago. It is most prevalent in the northeastern states of the United States, with about half of all cases clustered in New York and Connecticut.

Doctors at New Haven's Yale Medical Center first described and named Lyme disease in the United States in the late 1970s. An unexpected number of residents in Lyme, Connecticut, were found to have a "new" and unusual illness.

  • Fortunately, less than 5% of tick bites in high-contact areas result in Lyme infections.


  • Doctors have learned a great deal about the illness since that original cluster of people was observed. Treatments are available for Lyme disease.


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Lyme Disease - How Was Diagnosis Established

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Lyme Disease

Skin Rashes in Children Introduction

A rash is a reaction of the skin. It can be caused by many things, such as a drug reaction, an infection, or an allergic reaction. Many different agents can cause similar rashes because the skin has a limited number of possible responses. Very often the associated symptoms in addition to the rash help make the diagnosis, such as a history of tick bites, exposure to other ill children or adults, recent antibiotic use, environmental exposures, or prior immunizations.

Most rashes caused by viruses do not harm your child and go away over time without any treatment. However, some childhood rashes have serious or even life-threatening causes. As a parent, you should be familiar with these rashes. Many rashes can look the same, making it difficult to know the exact diagnosis. Whenever you have a concern, see your doctor immediately.

Bacterial and Viral Rashes

Many childhood diseases...

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Lyme Disease »

Lyme disease is due to infection with the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and the body's immune response to the infection.

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Medical Dictionary