Little Tick Bite, Big Problem: Lyme Disease

Course overview

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease and the sixth most common notifiable infectious disease in the United States. Lyme disease is a vector-borne zoonotic disease usually transmitted by Borrelia burgdorferi via ticks of the genus Ixodes. Generally associated with a tick bite lasting 36 hours or more and closely linked to erythema migrans, this infectious disease is rarely fatal but often causes symptoms such as arthralgias, arthritis, central nervous system complications, and other problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and numerous professional organizations have developed guidelines for prophylaxis and treatment. Ample information is available to help individuals who wish to avoid tick bites, successfully remove ticks, access testing, or receive treatment. Pharmacy staff are apt to encounter many of these individuals and can be excellent healthcare resources.