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Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.<ref>This entry copies some statements from the government site [http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm CDC information], which is in the public domain, while adding other statements that are original.</ref> Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.  

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.<ref>This entry copies some statements from the government site [http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/index.htm CDC information], which is in the public domain, while adding other statements that are original.</ref> Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.  

Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful in the later stages of disease.  

Human beings may come into contact with infected ticks during outdoor activities (camping, hiking). Symptoms include fatigue, chills, fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash (in a circular pattern).  Long-term problems include arthritis, nervous system abnormalities, irregular heart rhythm and meningitis.

 

Laboratory testing is helpful in the later stages of disease.  

Some victims of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics, while other victims develop chronic Lyme disease.  There is constant pressure by insurance companies, for obvious financial reasons, to limit the long-term treatment of chronic Lyme disease, and even to claim it does not exist.

Some victims of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics, while other victims develop chronic Lyme disease.  There is constant pressure by insurance companies, for obvious financial reasons, to limit the long-term treatment of chronic Lyme disease, and even to claim it does not exist.

The name of the disease comes from the town of Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease (as in much of the northeast) is prevalent.

The name of the disease comes from the town of Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease (as in much of the northeast) is prevalent.

== References ==

== References ==

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