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Ency. home > Disease > L > Lyme disease - primary

Lyme disease - primary    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Early localized Lyme infection; Lyme borreliosis; Stage 1 Lyme disease

Definition:

An acute inflammatory disease characterized by a skin rash (or rashes) and flu-like symptoms caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted by the deer tick.

Causes and Risks

Primary Lyme disease, a flu-like illness with fever, chills, and muscle aches, occurs in about 50% of those infected. If untreated, the disease may progress to secondary and tertiary stages.

Risk factors include recent tick bite or recent outdoor activities in endemic (high risk) areas. Approximately 16,000 people are affected annually in the United States. See also Lyme disease.

Ency. home > Disease > L > Lyme disease - primary

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