How widespread is Lyme disease?
Currently, Lyme disease can be found throughout the US, and on every continent in the world. Infection of both people and animals is worldwide. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provide a state-by-state count of Lyme disease cases. Cases are based on reports filed by physicians to each state health department. Because many physicians do not file the necessary paperwork, cases of Lyme disease may be seriously underreported. CDC officials currently acknowledge that there is “considerable underreporting” of Lyme disease. With about 17,000 cases reported in 1998, the CDC admits that the actual figure may be easily 10 times that amount. For comprehensive overview of LD epidemiology in the US and Canada: Lyme disease in the United States and Canada http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/6772/lyme.html For a list of CDC Reported Cases of LD from 1989-1998 (based strictly on the CDC’s Case Surveillance Definition of LD): CDC-reported Cases of LD 1989-1998 http://www.
