Lyme Disease

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Treatment

Early stage Lyme disease is treated with a 3- to 4-week course of antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, doxycycline, ceftriaxone), administered orally. Advanced disease may require intravenous ceftriaxone or penicillin for 4 weeks or longer, treatment for progressive symptoms (e.g., arthritis, neuropathy), and additional courses of treatment.

In areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, people should seek medical treatment if they are bitten by a tick that tests positive for Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and symptoms develop. Women who are pregnant should seek prompt medical attention because the disease can be transmitted to the fetus.

Prognosis

When Lyme disease is diagnosed in its early stage, most patients are successfully treated with antibiotics. Humans do not develop immunity to Lyme disease and reinfection is possible. The disease is rarely, if ever, fatal.

Prevention

To prevent Lyme disease, avoid grasslands and wooded areas where incidence of the disease is high. When outside in these areas, apply insect repellent containing DEET (n,n-diethyl-m toluamide) to exposed skin. Apply permethrin (kills ticks on contact) to clothes and avoid getting this substance on the skin because it is toxic.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into boots may prevent ticks from reaching the skin. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to see ticks.

Check clothing and skin carefully, especially where clothing touches the skin (e.g., cuffs, underwear elastic). Shower after all outdoor activities; if a tick is on the skin but unattached, it may wash off.

Run the fingers gently over the skin. An attached tick feels like a small scab. The tick must be attached to a person for 2 to 3 days to pass on the infection, so removing it within 36 hours will significantly reduce the risk for Lyme disease.

• Behind the knees
• Between fingers and toes
• Ears (inside and behind)
• Hairline and top of the head
• Navel (belly button)
• Neck

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