Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that is spread by deer ticks and can cause abnormalities of the skin, joints, heart and nervous system.  It is caused by the bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi and can not be transmitted from person to person.  Most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated when diagnosed early.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary depending on which part of the body is affected.  Common symptoms of this condition include a rash at the site of the tick bite, followed by joint pain and flu-like symptoms.  As the disease progresses, it may cause inflammation of the heart muscle, facial paralysis, meningitis and arthritis if left untreated.

Lyme disease is usually treated with oral antibiotics that clear the infection and prevent future complications.  More advanced stages of Lyme disease may require intravenous medication to quickly eliminate the disease.  Other measures may be used to treat specific symptoms of Lyme disease, and most symptoms will subside after thorough antibiotic treatment.

Lyme disease can be prevented by practicing simple tick-bite avoidance techniques such as wearing long pants and sleeves, using insect repellent and checking yourself and your children after spending time in wooded areas.