Lyme Disease Cases Have Doubled in the U.S. Since 1991

For those who play and work outside, the latest statistics on Lyme disease may be disconcerting. However, experts are quick to tell those who love the woods and enjoy recreation in tick-infested areas to be aware and take proper precautions, but not to change their lifestyle.

On June 14, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made public that the reported cases of Lyme disease in the United States have more than doubled since 1991. Some believe this increase may be attributed to better reporting. However, other officials say the increased number of reported cases is an unmistakable trend and that the actual number of cases could be even higher than reported because not everyone experiences symptoms so serious that they seek medical attention.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune says that Minnesota is one of 10 states where Lyme disease is endemic. The reported cases of Lyme disease in Minnesota has increased tenfold, from 80 cases in 1991 to 914 cases in 2006. Officials believe the actual numbers could be two to 10 times higher than that, if all cases were actually reported.

Lyme disease comes from the bite of a deer tick. Certainly not all deer ticks carry the disease, but once a person has contracted the disease, prompt treatment with antibiotics is key to avoiding prolonged effects.

The symptoms of Lyme disease are fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes. Most people also develop a circular or bull's eye shaped skin rash. Since these characteristics can be symptomatic of many things, it is not unusual for there to be a delay in seeking medical attention. Once diagnosed, treatment with antibiotics is generally very effective. Therefore, if a person has been in a known deer tick area, any illness with these symptoms should be promptly reported to a doctor, along with a request for a test for Lyme disease.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the prime season for tick-borne disease begins in May, when weather becomes warmer and deer ticks begin to be most active. The risk of being exposed to Lyme disease is greatest between mid-May and mid-July.