Utah Lyme Disease Alliance
January, 12  2013

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Encompassing the 300+ strains of Borreliosis, including Borrelia Hermsii - Utah's Strain!,
and other Tick-Borne & Insect Co-infections such as;  Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Q-Fever; a well known disease in Utah from testing at Dugway Proving Ground!, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Colorado Tick Fever, Mycoplasma and more.
A Multi-Systemic Infectious Disease 
Ticks are tiny crawling bugs in the spider family. While there are various species of ticks, all ticks have three life stages: larva, nymph, and adult. In each stage they feed by sucking blood from another animal (such as deer, field mice, birds, and other warm blooded animals). After feeding, they drop off, enter a dormant period, and molt to become the next stage. If the animal the tick is feeding on is carrying Lyme disease spirochetes (SPY-ROH-KEET), the tick sucks them up as it feeds and they multiply in the tick’s gut. The tick may then transfer them into the next animal or person it feeds on. Most Lyme disease is transmitted by nymphal ticks, which are smaller than a poppy seed in size and easily escape detection. Their bite is painless.
Co-infections
Early Lyme Symptoms
Flu-like illness (fever, chills, sweats, muscles aches,  fatigue, nausea, and joint pain)
Rash, in some cases. (Only 10% of those infected with Lyme will get the classic bull-eye rash, shown below)
Bell’s palsy (paralysis of the facial nerve, resulting in muscular weakness on one side of the face)
Scientists have discovered multiple tickborne diseases in the United State in addition to Lyme disease. Because one tick may carry more than one disease, people can get more than one co-infection from the bite of a single tick. Diagnosis of co-infections is often difficult and different infections may require different antibiotic treatment. Some of the more common co-infections include: Babesia, Erlichiosis, Bartonella, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Mycoplasma, Tularemia, TBEV, and Q Fever. Scientists are still discovering new co-infections.

Borrelia Hermsii (aka Tick borne Relapsing Fever) has recently been documented in Utah and is common in higher elevation states!  It's another strain of Lyme Disease.

Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spirochete that humans can get from the bite of an infected tick. The spirochete's scientific name is Borrelia Burgdorferi, (the strain from Lyme, Connecticut area). Lyme disease is called “The Great Imitator” because its symptoms mimic many other diseases. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart. 

Lyme Disease from Utah is mostly caused by the strain Borrelia Hermsii.
All forms of Borreliosis are commonly referred to by Lyme Disease.

Ticks may remain attached for several days while they feed. The longer they are attached, the greater the risk they will pass the Lyme bacteria into your bloodstream, where it will start spreading throughout your body.
Late Lyme Symptoms
Headache
Stiff neck
Light or sound sensitivity
Cognitive impairment
Sleep disturbance
Depression, anxiety, or mood swings
Arthritis
Fatigue
Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea
Chest pain, palpitations
Shortness of breath
•      Tingling, burning or shooting pains
•      Gait disturbances
•      Imbalance
•      Blurred vision

Treatment
If you know or suspect a Lyme infection, seek medical treatment from a knowlegeable doctor who practices the ILADS standard of care. You can find more information on the www.lymdisease.org website.
Ticks