Lyme disease is infectious disease that occurs in acute and chronic forms. The disease in its late stages can involve many different organs. The disease is caused by a bacteria known as a spirochete. Spirochetes are primitive organisms that also cause syphilis. Bacteria are carried by certain ticks and delivered through the skin by a tick bite. Most patients with Lyme disease are unaware of their tick bite. Untreated Lyme disease can lead to severe multisystem debilitating disease.

Distribution of lyme disease cases in the United States in 2010

Cases of lyme disease reported for each month of the year