Explanation of Lyme disease

It is a tick borne infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and joint inflammation.

Symptoms of Lyme disease

1. If the disease is untreated for several months, inflammation in the joints, especially the knees occur.
2. Red raised rash at the site of the tick bite.
3. Stiff neck.
4. Headache, muscle pain, chills, lethargy and fever.

Causes of Lyme disease

1. It is caused by a bacterium and transmitted by species of deer ticks.
2. Dogs and cats can carry the ticks to your home.
3. The ticks prefer dark, moist areas on people, especially groin area, under the arms and back of the knees.

Lyme disease prevention

1. When pets enter home from out, check them for ticks.
2. Keep away from tick habitats.
3. Wear hard finished, light colored long sleeved-shirts with buttoned cuffs and long trousers. Tuck the shirt into your pant and your pants into your socks.
4. When you are in wooded areas or underbrush get your entire body thoroughly checked. And if the tick is removed from your body before 24 hours you may not develop the disease.