
As fall settles in, there are few more sublime opportunities to get out into the woods and explore, but a menace may be lying in wait: deer ticks carrying Borrelia bacteria. First identified in 1975, Lyme disease is the result of a Borrelia bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Though infection is treatable with oral or intravenous antibiotics, the disease can cause serious problems if left untreated. This makes it important to recognize the effects of the disease and know when to seek treatment.
Early Symptoms
In the early stages, Lyme disease looks like the flu, causing chills, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. Swelling in the lymph nodes and a stiff neck are also common complaints of those recently infected. A rash resembling a bulls-eye around the site of the tick bite is also common but does not occur in all cases. Don’t assume that no rash equals no illness if other symptoms are present.
Later Problems
If allowed to progress, Lyme causes joint pain and swelling around 60 percent of the time. This arthritis will migrate and can occur in any of the body’s joints but frequently localizes in the knees. Neurological problems also develop, sometimes months or years after infection. Possible neurological problems include Bell’s palsy (a temporary paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the body), weakness in the limbs, limb numbness, coordination problems, and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord). Lyme disease can also cause memory and concentration problems as well as changes in mood or sleep patterns.
Rare Complications

Although uncommon, Lyme disease can cause a slow, irregular heartbeat and does so in about one out of every 10 people infected. Heart issues caused by the infection typically manifest as dizziness and shortness of breath. Hepatitis (liver inflammation)and eye inflammation also occur in some people as does severe fatigue. These uncommon symptoms usually appear with other symptoms and may indicate other, unrelated problems if they appear by themselves.
If Lyme disease is suspected, seek medical treatment immediately. A simple blood test can detect the presence of the disease in most cases. Other tests may also be performed to rule out the many disorders Lyme disease mimics.
Images via S. Rae, Wikipedia