But once it's contracted, there is no known cure. Dr. Lawson says Lyme disease is rarely fatal, but its debilitating effects usually last a lifetime. Later, victims experience muscle and joint aches, severe headaches, chronic fatigue, fever and in some cases facial paralysis. In the late stages it can resemble chronic arthritis or meningitis. Some blame the rising number of Lyme cases on the encroachment of housing developments into formerly wild places and the public's reluctance to thin expanding populations of suburban dwelling whitetail deer.
Deer ticks are the most common host for the disease.
The best way to avoid contracting Lyme disease is to avoid a tick bite. Once home, do a thorough self-examination for the tiny deer ticks, which are a fraction the size of wood ticks. If one is located, carefully remove it using a tweezers. Grasp the tick close to the skin and apply steady, gentle pressure, then disinfect the bite and save the tick for possible testing. Only a small percentage of ticks carry the disease.