DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Lyme Disease

MODERATE

A tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Most common vector-borne disease in US. Transmitted by Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus ticks. Can affect joints, heart, and nervous system if untreated.

Global Affected

300.0K

Countries

22

Symptoms

Erythema migrans rash (bull's eye)
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle/joint aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Facial palsy
Meningitis
Joint swelling

Treatment Options

Doxycycline (first-line)
Amoxicillin
Cefuroxime axetil
IV ceftriaxone (disseminated)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

Risk Factors

1Outdoor activities in endemic areas
2Wooded/grassy areas
3May-August peak season
4Not using tick repellent
5Presence of deer
6Geographic location (Northeast US, Upper Midwest)

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Clinical diagnosis with EM rash
  • 2Two-tiered serology (ELISA + Western blot)
  • 3PCR testing
  • 4CSF analysis (neurologic symptoms)
  • 5Joint fluid analysis

Prognosis

Excellent with early treatment (>95% cure). Late-stage: arthritis, neuropathy, carditis possible. Post-treatment symptoms in 10-20%.

Prevention

  • Tick repellents (DEET, permethrin)
  • Tick checks after outdoor activities
  • Shower within 2 hours
  • Landscape management
  • Tick removal within 24 hours
  • Prophylactic doxycycline (high-risk bite)

Research Status

Antibiotics curative in early stages. Research into post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Vaccine development restarted (VLA15 in phase 3). Improved diagnostic tests (T2 Lyme assay). Host-directed therapies being explored.

Affected Countries

United StatesCanadaUnited KingdomGermanyFranceAustriaSwitzerlandCzech RepublicPolandSlovakiaSloveniaCroatiaNorwaySwedenFinlandEELVLTRussiaChinaJapanAustralia

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov
  • https://www.who.int
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.