Lyme Disease

Caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme is an emerging tick-borne disease. In Canada, populations of infected ticks are established in southern parts of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, in certain locations in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and in southern British Columbia. The disease can be characterized by special rash (i.e. erythema migrans) at an early stage. If untreated, in the later stages, the disease can involve major organ systems such as musculoskeletal, nervous, and cardiovascular systems.

• Lyme Disease Frequently Asked Questions
• Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases: Information for health professionals
• Guidelines for removal and submission of ticks for identification and possible screening for disease-causing agents

Links of Interest

• The Rising Challenge of Lyme borreliosis in Canada (2008)
• Case Definitions for Diseases Under National Surveillance (2009)
• The emergence of Lyme disease in Canada, Canadian Medical Association Journal (2009)
• Current Practice: Lyme disease, Canadian Family Physician (2008)