What is the treatment for Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics taken for 3 to 4 weeks. More difficult cases may require longer treatment and combinations of drugs. Re-infection from tick bites is possible after treatment. How common is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is the most common disease spread by ticks in the United States. More than 16,000 cases were reported by 45 states in 1996. However, because of considerable under-reporting and misdiagnosis, the actual number of cases is probably several times higher. Is Lyme disease an emerging infectious disease? Yes. Lyme disease is a rapidly emerging infectious disease. Since it was first recognized in the United States in 1975, reports of Lyme disease have increased substantially, and the disease is now found in several regions of the country. Factors contributing to the rise in Lyme disease in humans is a thriving tick population and the expansion of suburbs into formerly wooded areas, which increases people’s exposure to infected ticks. How can Lyme disease
Antibiotic therapy for 3-4 weeks is generally effective in early Lyme disease. Later disease manifestations may require intravenous antibiotic therapy for 4 or more weeks. Amoxicillin and doxycycline are two common antibiotics recommended for treatment. How long is an infected person infectious to others? Lyme disease is spread only by the bite of an infected tick. Infected individuals cannot spread the disease to other people. How can Lyme disease be prevented? You can reduce your risk by taking these precautions to avoid tick bites, or to safely remove a tick if you are bitten: • Avoid wooded areas with dense shrubs and leaf litter, where ticks like to hide. • Make your yard less attractive to ticks: mow lawns and prune trees. • Wear solid, light colored clothing with pants tucked into socks. This will help prevent a tick from attaching to your skin and will also make sighting a tick on clothing easier. • Use insect repellents on yourself and your pets. Two types of repellents that a
Early treatment of Lyme disease involves antibiotics and almost always results in a full cure. However, the chances of a complete cure decrease if treatment is delayed. Although not routinely recommended, taking antibiotics within three days after a tick bite may be beneficial for some persons. This would apply to deer tick bites that occurred in areas where Lyme disease is common and there is evidence that the tick fed for more than one day. In cases like this you should discuss the possibilities with your doctor or licensed health care provider.
The outlook varies from person to person. Whilst it is extremely unusual for the illness to be fatal, symptoms can range from mild to very severe. It is not in a patient s best interests for the disease to remain untreated. Treatment is with antibiotics and is most effective if started as early as possible in the disease. The patient may be clinically cured if treated promptly. There is growing scientific and anecdotal evidence that suggest long term treatment may be necessary in some cases. Treatment regimes are aimed at reduction and elimination of the bacteria. If there is delay before treatment is begun, there may be less chance of a full recovery.
