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Health Conditions
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Lyme Disease
What causes it?
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi which is found in small animals such as squirrels, mice, and rabbits. Ticks pick up Borrelia burgdorferi from feeding on an infected host and then carry the bacteria in their guts. Ticks can then transmit the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria to humans or other animals that they attach to. The tick must generally be attached to the host for 48 hours before enough of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria can be transmitted to establish an infection. Not all ticks carry Lyme disease. It is relatively rare to contract Lyme disease from a single tick bite. Checking yourself for ticks daily can help prevent Lyme disease.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What causes it?
