• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Zoonotic Disease  

    Lyme Disease

    About Lyme Disease

    • Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease in Maryland and the United States
    • Lyme disease is cause by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
    • Lyme disease fact sheet​

    Transmission of Lyme Disease

    • Lyme disease is transmitted by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis, sometimes called deer tick).
    • In most cases, ticks must be attached for at least 36 hours before the Lyme disease bacterium can be transmitted
    • Most human infections of Lyme disease are caused by immature ticks, called nymphs. They are difficult to see due to their size (less than 2mm) and feed during the spring and summer months. Adult ticks can also transmit the Lyme disease bacteria, but they are much larger and are more likely to be discovered and removed before they have had time to transmit the bacteria.
    tick life cycle.jpg 
    Lifecycle of blacklegged ticks that can transmit Lyme disease
    • ​Ticks can attach to any part of the human body but they are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits, and scalp.

     

    Symptoms of Lyme Disease

    • ​Typical symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis.
    • Symptoms of Lyme disease may vary depending on the stage of infection. Early signs and symptoms (3 to 30 days after tick bite) can produce:
      • fever
      • chills
      • headache
      • fatigue
      • muscle and joint aches
      • swollen lymph nodes
      • Erythma Migrans (EM)​ rash occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected persons. The rash can expand over several days to up to 12 inches and may resemble a bull's eye.
    • Late signs may include: severe headaches and neck stiffness, additional EM rashes on other areas of the body, arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly in the knees and other large joints, facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or drooping on one or both sides of the face), intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones, heart palpitations or an irregular heart beat (Lyme carditis), episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, nerve pain, shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet, and problems with short-term memory.
    • If untreated, Lyme disease may progress to involve the joints, nervous system, and cardiac system.
    • Contact your health care provider if you develop any of these symptoms after a tick bite, live in an area known for Lyme disease, or recently traveled to an area where Lyme disease occurs.

    Treatment of Lyme Disease

    FOR HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

    Public Health Reporting

    Like other reportable communicable diseases listed in COMAR 10.06.01.03, health care providers, hospitals and laboratory directors are required to report diagnosed or suspected cases of Lyme disease to the health officer or commissioner in the county where the provider cares for that person.

    Lyme Disease Continuing Medical Education for Clinicians 

    As a service to clinicians, CDC has supported the development of an online CME Case Study Course on the Clinical Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention of Lyme Disease.  This free, interactive course consists of a series of case studies designed to educate clinicians regarding the proper diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. Each case is accredited for .25 CME credits, for a maximum of 1.5 CME. There is no cost for these credits.

    Educational Materials​

    ​Posters and brochures are available