Lyme disease

Definition

An infectious disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.

Etymology

Named after the town of Lyme, Connecticut, where a cluster of cases was identified in 1975.

Example

The patient was diagnosed with Lyme disease after exhibiting symptoms like a rash and flu-like illness following a tick bite.

Related Terms

• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Tick-borne diseases
• Black-legged tick
• Erythema migrans

Usage Notes

Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If untreated, it can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.