The county health department classified 87 percent of the cases in 2000 as early stages of Lyme disease. The remainder were deemed late Lyme disease stages. Early cases are characterized by an expanding red rash and flu-like symptoms. Late cases are highlighted by certain arthritic, neurological or cardiac symptoms supported by positive blood tests. Doctors also are doing a better job of diagnosing Lyme disease and reporting cases, which means better tracking of statistics, Beckley said.
People recognize the symptoms.
Remove attached ticks with tweezers, using a steady, outward pulling motion.