A suspected case of Lyme disease caused by the bite of a tick carrying Borrelia bacterium has been recorded in Koovapady, Ernakulam district.
What is Lyme disease?
- According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is spread to people via the bite of infected blacklegged ticks.
- Typical symptoms include fever, headache, exhaustion, and a distinctive skin rash known as erythema migrans.
- If not addressed, infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system.
The symptoms of Lyme disease
The symptoms of Lyme disease vary depending on the stage of the sickness.
(1) Stage 1
- Lyme disease symptoms often occur 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.
- At this stage, the disease has a limited range of symptoms such as rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and hence is referred to as early localised disease.
(2) Stage 2
- Stage 2 is typically more dangerous and widespread. It’s called early disseminated illness.
- Symptoms may include further rashes on other regions of the body, neck discomfort or stiffness, muscle weakness on one or both sides of the face, and so on.
(3) Stage 3
- In the United States, the most frequent condition at this period is arthritis in major joints, notably the knees.
- Pain, edoema, or stiffness can last for a long time. Alternatively, the symptoms may come and go.
- Stage 3 symptoms usually appear two to twelve months following a tick bite.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/lyme-disease-reported-in-ernakulam-kochi-a-case-of-tick-borne-infectious-disease/articleshow/108477994.cms#:~:text=A%20case%20of%20Lyme%20disease%20caused%20by%20Borrelia%20bacteria%20has,and%20superficial%20ulcers%20over%20scrotum.