Lyme Disease Hits Record Level in U.S.
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Lyme disease has climbed to its highest level on record in the United States, partly because more homes are being built in the woods, the government reported.
In 2002, 23,763 cases were reported to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- up 40% from the previous year.
Lyme disease bacteria are transmitted to humans by ticks that are carried by deer.
The disease is often identified by an expanding bulls-eye rash that develops days to weeks after a tick bite.
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