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Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is an emerging infectious disease caused by bacteria received from the bite of black-legged ticks. These bacteria are called Borrelia Burgdorferi, named after the scientist who discovered them, and is carried by the ticks that have bitten other animals with Lyme disease.
The disease was first reported in 1975 in the city of Old Lyme, Connecticut. It remains a disease most commonly found in Northeastern and North-central states, such as Virginia, Maine, or Minnesota. It has also appeared in Southern and Western states as well. It remains a controversial medical subject, due to many doctor’s belief that its effects have a mental origin.
Risk Factors
The highest risk factors of Lyme disease are doing outdoor activities like gardening or hunting in areas known to get it, or having a pet that could carry ticks home with them. Usually, ticks must have been attached to your body for at least a day or two to allow the bacteria to infect the bloodstream. In most cases, due to their extremely small size, those who are bit by a tick never see it or feel any pain, unless the effects of Lyme disease begin.
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Symptoms
| Stage | Description | Duration | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Localized | Early infection, localized to the bite area | Days to a few weeks | Fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, stiff neck, body-wide itching, ‘bull’s eye’ or ‘butterfly’ rash |
| Stage 2: Disseminated | Bacteria begins to spread through the body | Several weeks | Paralysis or swelling in affected muscles |
| Stage 3: Late Disseminated | Bacteria has spread throughout the entire body | Months to years | Extreme muscle pain and weakness |
Get Help with Your Long-Term Disability Claim for Lyme Disease
If you are suffering from Lyme disease and it has forced you to go without work, you may be eligible for long-term disability insurance benefits (if you or your employer has LTD coverage, of course). If an insurance company has wrongfully denied or terminated your long-term disability benefits, contact us online or call (888) 321 8131 for a free case evaluation. Nick Ortiz is a national long-term disability attorney who can evaluate your denial letter and help you avoid common mistakes that will destroy your LTD claim.
