Originally published August 6 2005
The dangers of Lyme disease
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Doctors seek to help people understand the causes and symptoms of Lyme disease and the treatments for it.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria (germs).
The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are carried by deer ticks and western black-legged ticks.
The disease can be passed to animals and people through tick bites.
These ticks are about the size of a sesame seed.
People who work outside or in wooded areas, such as park rangers and construction workers, are at most risk of getting Lyme disease.
It is most common in rural and suburban areas in the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Lyme disease is found in other parts of the United States, as well as in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can cause a rash on your skin.
Usually, the rash shows up 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.
It usually starts at the site of the bite.
It may start as a small red spot and grow larger.
If you have Lyme disease, you also may have muscle aches and joint pain, headache, drooping of part of the face, or flu-like symptoms.
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics.
It is important for you to take all the medicine your doctor prescribes to keep the disease from spreading to your joints, nervous system, or heart.
If you have problems with the medicine, don't quit taking it.
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Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.
This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Other health-related information is available from the AAFP on the World Wide Web (http:/ /www.familydoctor.org).
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