Lyme Disease News

The Spread of Lyme Disease Continues to Increase Every Year

 

Effective Treatments for Bartonella: Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Infection"

 

Bartonella is an intracellular bacterium known for its persistence and ability to evade the immune system, leading to chronic infections that are challenging to treat. Traditional single-drug therapies, such as doxycycline or azithromycin, have often been insufficient, as Bartonella can develop resistance or persist in dormant forms. Consequently, combination antibiotic therapies have become the standard approach. For instance, pairing doxycycline or azithromycin with rifampin has shown improved efficacy, though relapses can still occur after treatment cessation. ​Lyme Disease Association

 

Recent research has highlighted the potential of certain herbal medicines against Bartonella. In vitro studies have demonstrated that herbs like black walnut (Juglans nigra), cryptolepis (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta), and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) exhibit significant activity against stationary-phase Bartonella henselae. These findings suggest that botanical treatments could serve as complementary or alternative options, particularly for patients who do not respond to standard antibiotic regimens. ​Lyme Disease Association+1Lyme Disease Association+1

 

The complexity of Bartonella infections necessitates a multifaceted treatment strategy. In addition to combination antibiotic therapies, integrating herbal medicines and addressing co-infections, such as Lyme disease, is crucial for effective management. Ongoing research aims to develop more targeted treatments, including novel drug therapies, to enhance patient outcomes. ​Lyme Disease Association

 

 

 To read full article click here.

 

Personal Stories of Lyme Disease: Real Experiences and Insights

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the American Medical Association (AMA), has developed a comprehensive toolkit aimed at assisting clinicians in effectively managing patients experiencing prolonged symptoms and concerns related to Lyme disease. Recognizing that symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, or cognitive difficulties can persist following various infections, including Lyme disease, this resource equips healthcare providers with the necessary tools to support and guide their patients through these challenges. CDC+1CDC+1

Lyme disease, the most prevalent vector-borne illness in the United States, is transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. While the majority of individuals recover fully with a short course of antibiotics, studies indicate that 5-10% of patients may continue to experience symptoms six months post-treatment, at a higher rate than those who have not had Lyme disease. The toolkit addresses this issue by consolidating best practices and guidance from reputable organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). CDC+2CDC+2CDC+2CDC

Included in the toolkit are expert interviews, a free Continuing Medical Education (CME) module focused on caring for patients with prolonged symptoms, and a variety of resources tailored for both patients and clinicians. By utilizing these materials, healthcare providers can enhance their understanding and management of prolonged symptoms associated with Lyme disease, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes. CDC

To read the entire article click here, 

 

Impact of Climate Change on Lyme Disease Spread

Climate change has led to shorter, milder winters and longer, hotter summers, extending the active period and survival rate of Ixodes ticks (black-legged or deer ticks), which transmit Lyme disease. These warmer temperatures have allowed ticks to expand into previously uninhabitable areas, increasing the risk of Lyme disease in new regions. Additionally, climate-induced changes in the habitats of host species, such as rodents, birds, and deer, have facilitated the spread of ticks and the diseases they carry. ​pfizer.com+1pfizer.com+1pfizer.com

Five Key Facts About Lyme Disease

  1. Urban Risk: You don't need to venture into the wilderness to be at risk; ticks can be found in urban areas like parks and gardens, making city dwellers susceptible to Lyme disease.​pfizer.com

  2. Transmission Time: Ticks typically need to be attached for 36-48 hours before they can transmit the Lyme disease bacterium.​pfizer.com

  3. Symptoms: Early signs include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. A characteristic "bull's-eye" rash occurs in approximately 70-80% of infected individuals.​pfizer.compfizer.com

  4. Diagnosis and Treatment: Early detection is crucial. Most cases can be effectively treated with a few weeks of antibiotics, especially when diagnosed promptly.​

  5. Prevention: Preventive measures include using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities, and promptly removing any attached ticks.​

Understanding these aspects is vital for reducing the risk and impact of Lyme disease, especially as environmental changes continue to influence tick behavior and distribution.​

 
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Once called Nantucket fever, this nasty tick-borne illness is on the rise

 

Where 7 Dangerous, Disease-Spreading Ticks Live in the U.S.—Mapped

 

 

 

 

Your pets can already eat a chewable tablet for tick prevention. Now, a pill that paralyzes and kills ticks has shown positive results in a small human trial. 

 

Lyme disease case counts in the US rose by almost 70% in 2022 due to a change in how it's reported

Lyme disease cases in the United States jumped nearly 70% in 2022

 

 
 

2015 Map of Lyme Disease Cases
Map Courtesy of CDC https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/images/maps/map5.jpg

2015-lyme-disease-map.jpg

For more data and statistic information on Lyme disease in the United states visit the Center for Disease Control. 

 

 

News Articles About Lyme Disease and Other Tick Related Illnesses

“Lyme and Reason: The Cause and Consequence of Lyme Disease."  
Learn about Lyme disease, symptoms, medical testing and treatments.

This Emmy award winning 22 minuted video hosted by Theresa Priolo discusses the causes, symptoms and effects of Lyme disease.  Learn about the personal struggles of those infected as well as research and treatment from medical professionals.  Source:  https://www.lymedisease.org/watch-lyme-and-reason-here/, www.fox5ny.com 

 

Promising Antibiotic Breakthrough Unveiled for Lyme Disease 

 

THE LATEST

Bella Hadid Opens Up About Lyme Disease Battle

 

What to Know About Tick, Lyme Season Following a Mild Winter

After a mild winter in the U.S., scientists are watching to see if there will be an uptick in ticks this year

 

 

Avril Lavigne is Back with New Song Inspired by Lyme Disease Battle: 'I Thought I Was Dying' 9/19/2018

Avril Lavigne has been really open with her struggles with Lyme Disease and that fight has inspired a song about her struggle with the disease. This article talks about that struggle, the moment of inspiration for her song, and even mentions the foundation she's started to related to Lyme Disease. https://people.com/music/avril-lavigne-new-song-head-above-water-lyme-disease/

With Lyme On The Rise, N.H. Governor Asks EPA To Speed Approvals For New Tick Repellents 9/07/2018

Included in this article is a piece of a podcast from public radio in New Hampshire. The state governor there has been pushing for the EPA to speed up approvals for tick repellents as studies show more and more ticks are spreading to states like NH. https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/with-lyme-on-the-rise-n-h-governor-asks-epa-to-speed-approvals-for-new-tick-repellants/

 

Lyme Disease is Spreading Fast. Why Isn't There a Vaccine? 8/15/2018

The New York Times covers the spread of Lyme Disease and ongoing troubles with trying to get a new vaccine developed. They speak with some of the people working on a new vaccine in Europe and with Lyme Disease advocacy groups for their thoughts on Lyme and a possible Lyme vaccine. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/14/health/lyme-disease-vaccine.html by Karen Zraick


An Army of Deer Ticks Carrying Lyme Disease is Advancing and Here's Why It Will Only Get Worse 8/6/2018

Mother Jones reporters do a deep investigation into the rise of tick borne illness, especially in Maine--looking at the disease from an environmental and political prospective. Link: https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2018/08/an-army-of-deer-ticks-carrying-lyme-disease-is-advancing-and-heres-why-it-will-only-get-worse/

 

Meat Allergy Transmitted by Tick Bites is on the Rise 7/5/2018

According to researchers, people gaining a red meat allergy in response to tick bites have greatly increased in the United States. This article covers some of why scientists think this allergic response happens and why tick bites in general have been increasing. Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/meat-allergy-transmitted-by-ticks-is-on-the-rise/ar-AAzCEQn?OCID=ansmsnnews11

 

Why Isn't There A Readily Available Lyme Disease Vaccine? 6/21/2018

Immunologist Tirumalai Kamala answers a posed question about why there is no Lyme Disease vaccine and what work has been done in the recent past on finding and releasing any kind of vaccine related to Lyme. They cover a history of the vaccine LYMErix™ and why it is no longer on the market. Follow this link for all the details: https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/06/21/why-isnt-there-a-readily-available-lyme-disease-vaccine/#5b9ed85e69e8

 

2 Year Old Girl Dies After Suspected Tick Bite - 6/6/2017
An Indiana girl died last Saturday from what doctors believe was a tick-borne illness.  Doctor's had been treating her for Rocky Spotted Mountain Fever.  She had been admitted to the hospital with a high fever that would not break, swollen hands, a brain infection and an irregular purple rash covering much of her little body.

Ticks carry can carry a variety of diseases.  Her parents urge other parents to always check their children after playing outside.  They hope their message will help other families avoid the tragedy of losing a child.  To read the article visit:  http://m.hawaiinewsnow.com/hawaiinewsnow/db_366240/contentdetail.htm?full=true&contentguid=Zes02oRh&pn=&ps=#display

Experts Warn of Increases in tick-borne Powassan Virus – 5/2/2017
Experts are predicting a bad season for tick transmitted diseases.  With the warmer weather the tick populations are increasing across the country.  Although it is still early in the spring season we are seeing an increase in the number of illnesses from ticks.  While Lyme disease is the first illness we think of when we think of tick-borne disease, other diseases are also transmitted by ticks.  Powassan is becoming more common.  This disease if left untreated can lead to long term neurological problems.  To read more visit http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/03/health/powassan-tick-virus/ and to find out more about Powassan visit https://www.cdc.gov/powassan/

 

Tick-Spread Lyme Disease Cases in Ohio Continue to Increase  - 5/1/2017
The Ohio Department of Health issued an alert to Ohio residents that it expects a major increase in the tick population this year that could result in an increase of Lyme Disease and other tick transmitted diseases.  The Ohio Department of Health stresses prevention of tick bites, proper removal of ticks and seeking medical care.  For more information visit:   http://wmanfm.iheart.com/articles/wman-local-news-122687/tickspread-lyme-disease-cases-in-ohio-15790125/ , http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ticks and https://www.richlandhealth.org/search/ticks

 

Fox News Article on 3 year old child bitten by a tick.
Read this article about how a tick bite affected this child.  See the Dramatic Video of what it did to her motor skills
Posted 11:57 AM, May 22, 2017, by

 

Mayo Researchers Identify New Borrelia Species that Causes Lyme Disease - February 8, 2016

"Mayo Clinic researchers, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health officials from Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin, have discovered a new bacterial species that causes Lyme disease in people. The new species has been provisionally named Borrelia mayonii. Prior to this finding, the only species believed to cause Lyme disease in North America was Borrelia burgdorferi" (Josselyn, 2016).  For more information visit: The Mayo Clinic News Network

 

Pennsylvania Lyme Disease Cases Top 10,000 - November 25, 2015

"Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in Lyme disease cases as the Commonwealth through Nov. 27 has reported more than 10,000 cases, about one-third of all cases in the US that have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention... Lyme disease patients required 87 percent more visits to the doctor, and 71 percent more visits to the emergency room in comparison with those without Lyme disease" (Herriman, 2015).  For more information visit: Outbreak News Today