The CDC now estimates there are 476,000 new cases of Lyme disease in the United States each year. Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete (spiral shaped) bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi) and is transmitted by certain species of black-legged ticks, and potentially the lone star tick commonly found in southern states like Florida.
The nymphal, or immature, form of the tick, which is about the size of a poppy seed, causes most human cases. Because the bite is painless, many people do not realize they have been bitten. Furthermore, ticks harbor many other diseases that can be transmitted to humans aside from Lyme disease, including other bacterial infections, viruses or parasites. Indeed, there are many diseases (some life-threatening) carried by ticks that can complicate tick-borne disease diagnosis, treatment and recovery, including Babesiosis, Tularemia, Anaplasmosis, Mycoplasma, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Borrelia miyamotoi, Bartonella, Bourbon Virus, Heartland Virus, Powassan disease among others.
Lyme and tick-borne diseases are prevalent across the entire United States. Fewer than half of patients with Lyme disease recall a tick bite. Likewise, fewer than half of patients with Lyme disease recall any rash. Although the bulls-eye red rash is considered a classic sign and warrants a clinical diagnosis, it is not the most common dermatologic manifestation of early Lyme infection. Atypical forms of this rash are actually far more common.
Infection with Lyme disease bacteria alone can lead to early symptoms such as severe headaches, debilitating fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes, while long-term symptoms can lead to problems related to the central nervous system, including the brain, as well as the heart, joints and other musculoskeletal problems. Symptoms of Lyme disease vary for each individual patient, and also vary in intensity over the course of the disease.
