Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick (commonly the deer tick). Early symptoms may include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. Erythema migrans starts as a small red spot at the site of the tick bite which then expands and grows over time. An area of clearing can occur resulting in the classic bull’s eye appearance. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing joint pain, heart problems (irregular heart beat), neurologic problems, eye inflammation, and liver inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate oral antibiotics is important.
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