Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TOI
Context: Lyme Disease, a tick-borne illness caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, was diagnosed in a 56-year-old man from Koovappady, Ernakulam.
About the Disease:
| Aspect | Description |
| About Lyme Disease | It is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. |
| Transmission | Primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. |
| Cannot spread between humans, from pets to humans, or through air, food, or water. | |
| Lice, mosquitoes, fleas, and flies also do not transmit it. | |
| Prevalence | Prevalent in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, especially during warmer months. |
| Most commonly reported in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia. | |
| Symptoms | Early symptoms appear between 3 to 30 days after an infected tick bite. |
| Manifests with fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans). | |
| Erythema migrans serves as a hallmark sign for early diagnosis. | |
| Complications | Left untreated, it can lead to severe complications affecting joints, heart, and nervous system. |
| Treatment | Standard treatment involves antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin, especially in the early stages. |
| Intravenous antibiotics may be required in later stages. |
