Lyme Disease

• Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the blacklegged tick.  It is the most commonly reported vector-borne disease in the United States and it is spreading across the state of Michigan.  Typical clinical signs include flu-like symptoms however, if left untreated may spread to joints, the heart, and/or the nervous system.  The majority of cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.  Finding and removing ticks promptly can prevent Lyme disease. 

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