Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infectious disease in Europe and Hungary. The infection is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia, which can enter the human body through a tick bite. Recognising Lyme disease is not always easy because the symptoms are often varied and can often resemble other diseases.
However, early detection of the disease is key because Lyme disease is usually curable with proper treatment. However, if the infection is not detected in time, various complications can develop.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by a group of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The infection is most commonly transmitted to humans through tick bites.
The bacterium enters the body through the tick's saliva or intestines and can then enter various tissues through the bloodstream. The infection can also affect the nervous system, joints and skin.
Lyme disease is named after the American town of Lyme, where the characteristic symptoms of the disease were first described in the 1970s.
How does Lyme disease spread?
Ticks play a key role in the spread of Lyme disease. In Hungary, the tick species Ixodes ricinus is the main tick species spreading the infection.
The process of infection is usually as follows:
the tick bites you
the bacterium enters the body through the tick's saliva or intestine
bacteria can be spread through the bloodstream
It is important to know that not all ticks are infected and not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease. The chance of infection usually increases if the tick remains in the skin for a longer period of time.
Symptoms of Lyme disease
The symptoms of Lyme disease can appear in several stages. In the initial stage of infection, a characteristic skin symptom often appears.
Early symptoms
The most common early symptom is a wandering, cockade-like redness that appears around the bite. This may be a gradually growing, circular red patch.
Other early symptoms include:
fatigue
headache
muscle pain
fever or temperature
lymph node swelling
Late symptoms
If the infection is not treated in time, Lyme disease can affect other organs at a later stage.
There may be frequent late symptoms:
arthritis
severe joint pain
chronic fatigue
concentration difficulties
Nervous system symptoms
The infection can also affect the nervous system in some cases. This condition is called neuroborreliosis.
Possible symptoms:
facial nerve palsy
numbness
memory impairment
nerve pain
What are the complications of Lyme disease?
Untreated Lyme disease can cause various complications. These often appear months or even years after infection.
The most common complications include:
arthritis
nervous system problems
heart rhythm disturbance
chronic fatigue
It is therefore important that the infection is detected as early as possible.
How can Lyme disease be prevented?
The most important way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid getting bitten by ticks. This is especially important in wooded, grassy areas or when out on hikes.
Some simple prevention steps:
wearing closed clothing in nature
use of tick repellent
skin check after a trip
quick removal of the tick
It is best to remove the tick as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection.
Why is early detection important?
Lyme disease is usually well treated with antibiotics if recognised early. Treatment aims to kill the bacteria and prevent complications.
However, if the infection is not diagnosed in time, the disease can become chronic and require longer treatment.
Early detection is therefore key to successful recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia.
How to catch Lyme disease?
The infection is usually transmitted by a tick bite, when the infected tick burrows into the skin.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?
Migrating redness is the most typical symptom, but fatigue, joint pain and neurological complaints may also occur.
How dangerous is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease can be well treated if detected early, but can cause serious complications if left untreated.
How can infection be prevented?
The most important prevention is to avoid tick bites, check the skin regularly and remove the tick quickly.
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