This chart illustrates the number of cases reported in 1992 for each state. This graph shows the number of reported cases of lyme disease has increased since 1982. Individuals living in areas where Lyme disease is common should be checked for ticks following outings, camping trips, or exposure in wooded, brush, or grassy areas. Lyme disease was a cover story in Newsweek. Lyme disease is now a nationally-recognized problem.
Deer ticks can carry lyme disease.
These ticks belong to the genus Ixodes. The primary species of tick that is a carrier of Lyme disease is Ixodes damini, though other species of Ixodes may also carry Lyme disease. Research suggests that the tick must be attached about 48 hours before the disease is transmitted, so early removal may prevent disease. Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium known as a spirochete because of its long, corkscrew shape. The infectious organism is named Borrelia burgdorferi.