Lyme Disease

This passage discusses Lyme disease and what kinds of problems it can cause.

Lexile Level: 1200L

Categories: Sports & Health Animals & Nature

Ticks are everywhere, and while these little bugs may look harmless, they can carry a dangerous illness called Lyme disease. Deer ticks and western black-legged ticks are small, like a sesame seed, and are most common in the northeastern and midwestern states. If you show signs of the disease, see your doctor immediately. The symptoms of Lyme disease are chills, headaches, stiff neck, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, irregular heartbeat, Bell's palsy (drooping face), and a rash called "erythema migrans." The rash looks like a bull's eye or ring. Some people even develop many red spots. This disease should be treated immediately by antibiotics. If untreated, the disease can spread to other parts of the body, like the nervous system, causing severe long-term problems. Protect yourself from tick bites by using an insect repellent containing DEET and by wearing long sleeves and long pants when you walk in wooded areas.