Top Myths About Lyme Disease and the Truth Behind Them
Introduction
Lyme disease is a complex medical issue which is often misunderstood and unfortunately there are several myths about it.
Whether we talk about misconceptions about how it spreads, how it can be prevented, or exactly how serious it is, these types of myths are the reason for confusion. But do we know exactly what Lyme disease is?
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease which is caused by bacteria named Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black legged ticks. This has a variety of signs like fever, fatigue, to more severe effects such as neurological problems and joint pain, only if untreated.
So in this blog, we will clear up those common myths about Lyme disease with facts to understand and how to protect yourself.
What Are the Top Myths About Lyme Disease?
Myth 1 : Lyme disease is rare
Lyme disease is the most common medical issue in the US with over 300,000 cases reported annually.
Myth 2 : You can only get Lyme disease from a tick bite
However, ticks are the primary source of Lyme disease, but it can be transmitted through other modes, such as contact with infected animals (this is less common than tick bite).
Myth 3 : A tick bite always leads to Lyme disease
It is not compulsory that a tick bite will convert into Lyme disease. In fact, only 30-50% of ticks in high prone areas are infected with Borrelia burgdorferi which causes Lyme disease.
Myth 4 : If you don’t see a tick, you can’t get Lyme disease
While ticks are often very small, Lyme disease can still be transmitted if a tick is unnoticed. These ticks can attach to various parts of the body, including difficult to see areas like the scalp or behind the ears.
Myth 5 : Lyme disease can’t be treated.
When diagnosed early, Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics. If left untreated, however, it can cause long-term complications, including neurological and joint issues.
Myth 6 : You will always get the “bull’s-eye” rash if you have Lyme disease.
Not all people with Lyme disease develop the classic “bull’s-eye” rash. In fact, many people may not have any visible rash at all.
Myth 7 : Lyme disease is only a risk in the summer.
Ticks are active year-round, not just in the summer. Although they are more active in warmer months, ticks can still transmit Lyme disease in cooler seasons.
Myth 8 : If you remove a tick quickly, you won’t get Lyme disease.
In the process of removing a tick promptly reduces the risk of Lyme disease, the bacteria can be transmitted within 24-48 hours of attachment. Removal on time is important, but it doesn’t guarantee prevention.
Myth 9 : Lyme disease is only a concern for outdoor enthusiasts.
Anyone can get Lyme disease, even those who spend little time outdoors. Ticks can attach to clothing or pets and be brought into the home.
Myth 10 : Lyme disease is always easy to diagnose.
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be challenging because its symptoms mimic other conditions, and lab tests may not always be accurate. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have Lyme disease.
Can Lyme Disease Be Spread Through Person-to-Person Contact?
- Lyme disease is not contagious and cannot be transferred from one person to another contact. Bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi are primarily transmitted through tick bites.
- For example, it can be transmitted through the bite through bite of infected black ticks, as well as in some rare cases, it can be transmitted from animals that carry ticks like dogs.
- However it is important to understand that the primary cause of transmission remains tick bites, and preventing Lyme disease is about avoiding exposure of ticks in areas where they are very common.
Does Bullseye Rash appear in All Lyme Disease Patients?
No, the bullseye rash does not appear in all patients suffering from Lyme disease. While the bullseye or “erythema migrans” rash is an early sign of Lyme disease, it is not always present. In fact, studies show that only about 70-80% of individuals with Lyme disease develop this rash.
- This rash typically appears around 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and expands outward in a circular shape with a red center, but some individuals may not experience any rash at all.
- So it is important to remember that Lyme disease symptoms can vary, but not everyone with Lyme disease will have the bullseye rash.
- If you observe you have Lyme disease due to other symptoms like fever, fatigue, or joint pain, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, even without the rash.
Is Lyme disease only found in specific regions?
- Lyme disease is not limited to specific regions but is more common in certain areas. In the United States, it is primarily found in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Coast, where black-legged ticks which carry Borrelia burgdorferi are most common.
- Moreover, Lyme disease cases have also been reported in other parts of the country and globally, including Europe and Asia.
- The chances of contracting Lyme disease is higher in areas where ticks are abundant, such as wooded or grassy environments.
- As tick populations spread, Lyme disease cases are becoming more widespread, so it’s important to be cautious and take preventive measures, even in regions where Lyme disease may not have been commonly reported in the past.
Does Lyme Disease Only Infects Humans?
- Lyme disease does not only infect humans. Mostly humans are commonly affected by Lyme disease, many animals, specifically wildlife, can also be infected by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes the disease.
- Deer, mice, and other mammals can carry infected ticks, acting as reservoirs for the bacteria.
- These animals do not typically show symptoms of Lyme disease, but they can spread infected ticks to humans and other animals.
- Ticks that feed on these infected animals can carry the bacteria and transmit it to humans or other animals when they bite.
- This highlights the importance of preventing tick exposure in areas where Lyme disease is common, not just for humans, but for pets and wildlife as well.
Summing Up..
- Tick borne illness is very common in the US, with almost 300,000 cases each year, and it can occur anywhere.
- Myths about Lyme disease, like assumption of tick biting which leads to infection or that it is easy to detect, can result in confusion.
- Lyme disease can be prevented by taking steps to protect ourselves from ticks.
- Early removal of ticks and seeking help from healthcare professionals can prevent serious issues.
REFERENCES
- Writer. 2020. “Top Ten Myths about Lyme Disease.” Global Lyme Alliance.org. 2020. https://www.globallymealliance.org/blog/top-ten-myths-about-lyme-disease.
- Murray, Thomas S., and Eugene D. Shapiro. 2010. “Lyme Disease.” Clinics in Laboratory Medicine 30 (1): 311–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cll.2010.01.003.
- “Is Lyme Disease Contagious? How It Spreads (and How It Doesn’t).” 2019. Healthline. June 11, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/is-lyme-disease-contagious.
- Center, Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research. 2020. “Think the Lyme Disease Rash Is Always a Bullseye? THINK AGAIN!” Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center. May 7, 2020. https://www.hopkinslyme.org/lyme-education/think-the-lyme-disease-rash-is-always-a-bullseye-think-again/.
- Kugeler, Kiersten J., Grace M. Farley, Joseph D. Forrester, and Paul S. Mead. 2015. “Geographic Distribution and Expansion of Human Lyme Disease, United States – Volume 21, Number 8—August 2015 – Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal – CDC.” Wwwnc.cdc.gov 21 (8). https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2108.141878.
- Radolf-, Justin D., Klemen Strle, Jacob E. Lemieux, and Franc Strle. 2022. “Lyme Disease in Humans.” Current Issues in Molecular Biology 42 (1): 333–84. https://doi.org/10.21775/cimb.042.333.