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Lyme disease leaves a lasting impact
Date: 2013-02-07 00:00:00

Lyme disease can be caused by the single bite of a tiny tick, but that in no way means it's a small problem. This disease can result in symptoms that stick around long after a person has been bitten, and they can seriously impact his or her daily life. This is why it's important for anyone who discovers a tick on their body to receive Lyme disease blood testing to get treatment as soon as possible.

While many people have probably heard of Lyme disease, they may not understand just how much of an impact it can make on a person's life. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, if left untreated Lyme disease can spread to the brain, heart and joints.

Far-reaching consequences... Full Story

Lyme disease diagnosis offers answers for sick woman
Date: 2013-02-19 00:00:00

People who suspect that they have Lyme disease shouldn't hesitate to get blood tests to confirm it, since properly diagnosing this condition has provided many individuals with the answers they've been waiting for regarding their health problems. Many people spend years experiencing a number of strange and debilitating health problems before they realize that they are the signs of Lyme disease and finally receive proper treatment.

For example, the Union Leader, a New Hampshire news source, recently published an article profiling one young woman who had experienced many serious diseases and medical crises through elementary, middle and high school. For years, the cause of these health problems eluded her - until doctors finally discovered that Lyme disease was the culprit.

Difficult to tell... Full Story

Lyme disease rates up in the northern U.S.
Date: 2013-04-18 00:00:00

A team of scientists from the University of Toronto have found that northern regions of the U.S. are seeing higher rates of Lyme disease than southern states, suggesting that people living in cooler locales may want to get blood tests if they spot the telltale target-like rash on their skin.

My Health News Daily published an article on the findings, which showed that between 1992 and 2007, 21 states experienced increases in Lyme disease prevalence , while 14 states showed a significant decrease, and 15 saw no change. In particular, most of New England as well as Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and most parts of the northern Midwest have been experiencing this increase in Lyme disease rates.

Temperature may be blame ... Full Story

Lyme disease and its unwelcome consequences
Date: 2013-07-12 00:00:00

Lyme disease blood testing is more important than ever, as researchers are becoming more aware of the effects of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, or PTLDS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines PTLDS as lingering symptoms of the disease, characterized by pain, fatigue, or muscle and joint aches. The New York Times recently published an article on the significance of the disease and how it affects those who experience it.

The Times recently profiled a woman who experienced the symptoms for a decade before receiving a diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. After meeting with a Lyme specialist, Mary Rasenberger was put on the antibiotic Rocephin, and told the source that she finally felt healthy. However, whenever she tried to stop the medication, the symptoms returned in full force. Rasenberger described headaches, aching joints and other ailments that rendered her unable to complete basic exercises.

"These are high-functioning people - couch potatoes don't get Lyme disease," John Aucott, an infectious disease specialist, told the source in regard to PTLDS patients. "They are not crazy, and the doctors who treat them are not evil. These are desperate people trying to get better, and well-intentioned doctors who are trying to help them."

The Times noted that if people get Lyme disease, but are unaware of their condition and go without treatment, they might experience the same debilitating symptoms as Rasenberger. Aucott said that in order to properly treat those with PTLDS, more research funding is necessary.

Preventing PTLDS... Full Story

Lyme disease, black-legged ticks on the rise
Date: 2013-07-15 00:00:00

Lyme disease blood testing has become a must-have for New Yorkers, as new research revealed that certain areas of the state have high populations of black-legged ticks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of tick-borne illnesses has risen dramatically in recent years, with 35,000 new cases of Lyme disease reported annually in the U.S.

A study from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies shows that black-legged ticks in the Northeast spread more than just Lyme disease - they are also infecting people with other illnesses, such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan encephalitis. The report examined encephalitis closely, and noted that the virus, which is spread by ticks, is caused by deer tick virus and Powassan virus. It causes long-term neurological damage in many of its survivors. Encephalitis can also be fatal, with a 10 to 15 percent mortality rate.

"We've seen a rise in this rare but serious illness in parts of New York State that are hotspots for Lyme disease, said Rick Ostfeld, author of the study. "And we suspected it was tied to an increase in black-legged ticks carrying deer tick virus, particularly on the east side of the Hudson River."

Study finds high populations of black-legged ticks... Full Story

Which states have the highest rates of Lyme disease?
Date: 2013-09-10 00:00:00

Lyme disease, an infection that comes from deer tick bites, causes a wide array of symptoms and can be difficult to treat. While it can be diagnosed through lab tests, knowing where it is most prevalent can allow for steps to be taken to avoid exposure.

Delaware and Vermont... Full Story