Pediatric Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease has three recognized stages:
STAGE 1 is called early localized Lyme disease. The infection has not yet spread through the body.
STAGE 2 is called early disseminated Lye disease. The bacteria have begun to spread throughout the body.
STAGE 3 is called late disseminated Lyme disease. The bacteria have spread throughout  the body.
Lyme Disease Stage 1 - Early localized infection. In most cases, the first sign of early Lyme disease is the appearance of a bull's-eye skin rash. It can be large and expanding in size. This rash is called erythema migrans (EM). Without treatment, it can last 4 weeks or longer. It usually develops within two weeks after the bite, although it may appear as soon as 3 days, and as late as 1 month. This rash is found in about 80 percent of patients, but for the 20 percent without the EM and the non-target lesions their Lyme disease may never be detected, The Lyme disease stage of localized infection is where the Lyme disease has not yet spread throughout the body. The only area affected is where the infection has first come into contact with the skin.    
Lyme Disease Stage 2 - Early disseminated infection. Untreated, the infection spreads through the bloodstream and lymph nodes within days to weeks, involving the joints, nervous system, and possibly the heart. Multiple rashes may erupt in other places. If the infection affects the nervous system in the second stage of Lyme disease, various acute neurological problems may appear. These include facial palsy, which is the loss of muscle on one or both sides of the face, as well as meningitis, which involves severe headaches, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light. In addition, some case reports have described altered mental status, shooting pains that may interfere with sleep, as well as abnormal skin sensations. Within days to weeks after the onset of local infection, the bacteria may begin to spread throughout the bloodstream and a rash may develop at sites across the body that bear no relation to the original tick bite,
Lyme Disease Stage 3 - Late disseminated infection. If the disease remains untreated, a persistent infection can occur after a few weeks or months, leading to prolonged bouts of arthritis and neurologic problems, such as concentration problems or personality changes. Fatigue is a prominent feature of both early and late stages. If Lyme disease is left untreated in stage 3, patients may go on to develop severe and chronic symptoms that affect many parts of the body, including the brain, nerves, eyes, joints, and heart. Many disabling symptoms can occur, including permanent shooting pains, numbness, and tingling in the hands or feet may develop. Lyme disease is known as the "great imitator" because the symptoms which display if the disease is not treated, mimic many well-known conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alzheimer's and Fibromyalgia. For this reason it is very important to find a practitioner who can perform tests and make an accurate diagnosis, better known as Lyme Literal Doctors (LLD). If you get bit by a tick go to the doctor immediately.   
On Another Note - Due to over booking by the caterer we have been forced to change the date of the Lyme Gala. The new date is April 11, 2021.
We need your help - because of the Coronavirus shutdown we have received few donations or orders for Brittany Fellowships (which is our main source of income). This has caused us to dip into our reserve fund which is at the lowest level it has ever been. Because of this we have been forced not to issue any new grants so we can guarantee that the funds are available for the grants already issued. When we receive a request for a new grant we now put them on a waiting list, and this causes even more hardships on families applying. So if you or your club can make a donation of any amount or purchase a Brittany Fellowship or any level it would be a big help.
Thank you for your never ending support and the courage to care and willingness to share.        

Column Posted on Web Site July 20, 2020