According to the CDC, there are approximately 30,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year. Caused by the bacteria called Borrelia Burgdorferi, you can contract Lyme disease by being bit by a black-legged tick. Sometimes symptoms present themselves immediately and so severely that Lyme disease is figured out almost right away when medical assistance is sought. Other people are not so lucky and can experience some mild symptoms over the course of many years before they finally receive a diagnosis. Let’s take a closer look at some of the symptoms associated with Lyme disease as well as some of the latest statistics regarding this debilitating condition.
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Symptoms Of Lyme Disease Within Thirty Days Of A Bite
You may experience the following symptoms within thirty days of being bit by a tick and these symptoms can signify that you may be developing Lyme Disease:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body Aches
- Swollen Joints
- Rash
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Visible Bite That Is Swollen
As time goes on, there are other symptoms that may present themselves over the course of many months or even years. This includes the following:
- Headaches
- Stiffness of Neck
- Rashes
- Joint Pain
- Heart Palpitations
- Irregular Heart Beat
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the past couple of years, Lyme disease statistics have remained the same regarding the number of states that have confirmed Lyme disease cases. The following states (fourteen in total) make up ninety-five percent of Lyme cases:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
While ticks can be present in other states and they can carry the Lyme bacteria wherever they are present, they are most commonly found in these areas with just a few minor exceptions. These statistics do not account for people who traveled to another state, contracted Lyme disease where they were and then traveled back home to be tested and treated. More Lyme disease statistics can be found by visiting: https://bit.ly/2mjKShT. It is important to stay up to date with this information you can effectively prevent tick exposure.
Luckily, you can prevent Lyme disease to some extent. If you have been bitten by a tick, there are now some recommendations that may be effective enough to prevent the transmission of Lyme, including a full round of antibiotics for approximately two weeks. If you are looking to prevent a bite, you can use insect repellant or wear long clothing that will protect your body and prevent exposed skin. There are treatments that are available that can assist with a number of the unwanted symptoms that people experience when they have Lyme disease. Support groups exist all over the country to provide emotional and physical support to those who are living with the difficulties that come with Lyme disease.
