Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by bites from infected blacklegged (deer) ticks. Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in the United States and West Virginia. Symptoms generally begin 3 to 30 days after the tick bite and include fever and an expanding red rash (erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite. If not treated early with antibiotics, lyme disease can progress over weeks to years to cause recurrent arthritis and neurological complications.
Most cases of Lyme disease are reported in the northeastern and Midwestern regions of the United States. As of 2013, four counties in West Virginia are considered endemic for lyme disease: Berkeley, Hampshire, Jeffereson, and Morgan Counties.
Erythema migrans, also known as bull's eye rash, is a common sign of lyme disease.
|
|
Reducing exposure to ticks is the best way to prevent lyme disease. Use tick repellant when out in wooded areas. Walk in the center of trails when hiking. Check your body for ticks after outdoor activities.
|