According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.” A tick bite can result in a rash, fever, headache and fatigue, and can become medically serious if not treated with antibiotics. The infection can affect joints, nervous system and heart.
To learn more about the disease, visit the CDC’s Lyme Disease Webpage and explore links that will lead you to information about the Signs and Symptoms, Treatment, Preventing Tick Bites, and a great visual on how to remove a tick.
In Michigan, the black-legged tick is emerging in the regions of the Lower Peninsula. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Human Services, and Michigan State University put together a pamphlet and map showing the Lyme Disease Risk within the state, as well as prevelance of other types of ticks and tick-borne diseases.
A CDC toolkit also provides informational brochures, fact sheets, trail posters, a web widget, a comic strip for kids and a crossword puzzle/information sheet for kids.
For more information about Lyme Disease, take a look at the following websites:
Medlineplus – Lyme Disease – Provides basic information along with links to a variety of sites with additional articles such as the FDA, the American Lyme Disease Foundation, the National Institute of Neurological Disorderd, Kid’s Health, and many more.
WebMD’s article “Lyme Disease: What to Know in 2018” tells us that the type of tick causing Lyme is spreading its range and has been found in all of the continental states, including Michigan. Quoting the CDC, WebMD reports that a study shows reported cases have gone up more than 80% over a dozen years. It’s likely there are thousands of unreported cases every year.
The Monroe County Library System also offers books about Lyme Disease. Be sure to Check Us Out.