KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Researchers at the University of Tennessee are downplaying the danger of Lyme disease in the state.
Ecological scientists at the UT Institute of Agriculture say blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, are rare in Tennessee and almost never carry the Lyme disease bacterium.
They also said that people in the Southeast who do get diagnosed with Lyme disease may have a misdiagnosis or may have visited a northern state where ticks are more prevalent carrying the Lyme bacterium.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, they said in a news release, is a problem because it can be fatal quickly.
The challenge for doctors is that different tick-transmitted diseases often begin with similar symptoms: fevers, headaches and muscle pains.
Watch the Lyme disease documentary Under Our Skin. It's scarier than any horror movie.
I beg to differ...i was bitten in May while at Arnolds Air Force base in Tullahoma Tn...had a perfect bullseye rash and all of the symptoms...spent 6 weeks on meds....Lyme's disease itself doesnt show up for several years. It is the result of not getting the infection treated. This article is full of misinformation...i researched Lyme's disease for days and spoke to several doctors. I disagree completely with this article.
My daughter (11 yrs. old) got lyme in north georgia. We treated with a mild antibiotic for one week and thought ok. In hindsight a strong treatment for at least one month or longer initially would have helped. The next few years were hell. We traveled to New Haven Conn for treatment. Used iv antibiotics via port a cath and even hyperberic oxygen therapy over the years. She lost her ability to walk for 6 months during this time but now has memory, fatigue, and arthritic issues.
Our first diagnosis from a professional in Atlanta diagnosed her with conversion disorder.
People underestimate the severity of consequences. Believe me I am her dad and lived years in fear along with the rest of the family. She is 23 now. I do not desire anyone to go through what she incurred!
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