PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted primarily by deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). A deer tick must be attached for at least 36 hours for transmission to occur. 1, 2 Most people with Lyme disease develop the erythema migrans rash (left) a few days or weeks after a tick bite, and many have flu-like symptoms. Borrelia burgorferi is susceptible to doxycycline and other antibiotics, halting the disease process. Late signs of untreated Lyme disease include joint swelling, myocarditis, and facial palsy.1, 2 Lyme disease can be prevented by preventing tick bites, removing ticks early, and providing post-bite prophylaxis when appropriate. 1 Lyme disease has been on the rise in Vermont sinc