how prevalent is Lyme disease in Kentucky?
Fifty-one cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Kentucky Department of Health Services during 1985-90. Forty-four additional cases were reported in 1991. It is unclear how many of these infections actually resulted from tick bites received in Kentucky, since many of the victims had previously visited or lived in other states where Lyme disease occurs. Agencies within our state also are surveying for ticks and animal hosts infected with the Lyme disease bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi). Neither the American dog tick nor lone star tick (the two most common ticks in Kentucky) appears to be a vector of the disease. And to this point, none of the proven tick vectors of Lyme disease (Ixodes spp. ) have been found. In summary, Lyme disease is present in Kentucky but the mechanism of transmission is not yet known. Until more is known, people should be aware of the early symptoms of the disease, and should see a physician if they suspect they may have been bitten by a tick. I’ve heard the
