1. By Jaime Guzman and Jenelle Sherman
Lyme Disease
By Jaime Guzman and Jenelle Sherman

2. What is Lyme Disease?
Bacteria Infection spread through the blood caused by Bacterium genus and species-Borrelia burgdorferi 
Outer surface protein C (OspC) of the Lyme disease spirochetes is an important virulence factor
Thought at first to be arthritis

3. First Case Reported 1975, Old Lyme Connecticut
Connecticut conducted a laboratory-based program of surveillance for Lyme disease from July 1, 1984, to March 1, 1986.
Indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to detect antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi, the spirochete that causes the disease.
CDC

5. Transmission(Vector)
transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. (usually deer ticks)
Must be attached for hrs before bacterium can be transmitted
Although no cases of Lyme disease have been linked to blood transfusion, scientists have found that the Lyme disease bacteria can live in blood that is stored for donation. 

7. Symptoms
The incubation period is 3-32 days, transmission occurs in less than 24 hours.
Stage 1- “Bulls-eye” rush in about 75% of rash's, flu-like illness without cough.
Stage 2- Affects skin, musculoskeletal, nervous system, lymphadenopath, heart, facial palsy and meningitis.
Stage 3 - Chronic arthritis or encephalitis

8. Stages
Stage 1 also called Early Localized- which means the disease has not spread yet.
Stage 2 also called Early Disseminated- Which means the disease has begun to spread.
Stage 3 also called Late Disseminated- Which means the disease has spread through the blood stream.
Symptoms in Stage 2 may not appear until months later, Stage 3 may not appear until years later.
NCBI

9. Interesting facts
Lyme disease bacteria can live in blood that is stored for donation.  
There is no credible evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted through air, food, water, or from the bites of mosquitoes, flies, fleas, or lice.
here are no reports of Lyme disease transmission from breast milk.

10. Prevalence
The ratio of Lyme Disease infection is 7.9 cases for every 100,000 persons.
It is becoming an endemic across the northern areas of North America.
Lyme disease has be reported in 49 states.

11. Outbreaks of Lyme Disease

12. Who is at risk?
Northeast and mid-Atlantic, from northeastern Virginia to Maine
North central states, mostly in Wisconsin and Minnesota
West Coast, particularly northern California
This is primarily a warm weather disease. The ticks normally feed from April to October; the nymphs are most active between May and August.
Also, more people are outdoors during the warm weather months. Adult ticks can remain active well into the winter if the winter is mild.

13. Risk Factors What risk factors can lead to being affected?
Outside Activities (hiking, gardening, hunting)
Pets exposed to ticks
Walking in high grass areas
NCBI

15. Treatment Antibiotics for 2-4 weeks
If found early the disease can be cured with antibiotics
Even after treatment, some patients still feel pain from causes unknown.
Complications from untreated Lyme Disease include long term joint inflammation, Brain and Nervous system problems, memory disorders, and sleep and vision problems.
NCBI

16. Prevention
Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
Walk in the center of trails.
Use repellents that contain 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide
Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. 
Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body
A Lyme disease vaccine is no longer available. The vaccine manufacturer discontinued production in 2002, citing insufficient consumer demand.