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Health Department - Lyme Disease

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1. What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria that some people get after being bitten by ticks infected with an organism named Borrelia burgdorferi. It was first identified in the 1970s in Lyme, Connecticut.

2. How common is Lyme disease in Loudoun County?

In 2011, Loudoun County reported 261 cases of Lyme disease, representing approximately 25% of the cases reported in Virginia that year. This compares to 223 reported cases of Lyme disease in Loudoun County in 2010, 201 cases in 2009, 235 cases in 2008, and 293 cases in 2007. Importantly, these figures are for surveillance purposes only and are not meant to reflect the total number or proportion of Lyme infections each year in Loudoun County.

3. Can you recommend a doctor who is familiar with diagnosing and treating Lyme disease?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a link to a national list of doctors who are familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and other tickborne infections at www.cdc.gov/lyme/faq/#doctor

You could also choose to see a doctor in our area who specializes in infectious diseases by searching through the Inova Health System database at www.inova.org and clicking on "Search for an Inova Doctor" or the Reston Hospital database at restonhospital.com and clicking on "Find a Doctor".

Please note that the Health Department and Loudoun County government cannot evaluate the professional qualifications and competence of individual doctors. The inclusion of a doctor on the CDC, Inova or Reston Hospital lists should not be seen as an endorsement by the Health Department or the Loudoun County government.

4. Are there Lyme disease support groups in Loudoun County?

Yes. There is a Western Loudoun Lyme Support Group based in Purcellville and an Eastern Loudoun Lyme Support Group based in Sterling. These groups are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Loudoun County Government or Health Department. Information on the Loudoun Chapter of the National Capital Lyme Disease Association is available from Carol DuPuis at lymeaide4you@aol.com; beginning in April 2013 their meetings will be the second Sunday of the month from 3-5 pm at 224D Cornwall Street Community Meeting Room. Information on the Western Loudoun Lyme Support Group is available by emailing charphealy@yahoo.com. Information on the Eastern Loudoun Lyme Support Group is available by emailing sfp@lmgdoctors.com or calling 703-421-7000.

5. Where is the organism that causes Lyme disease found?

The organism is maintained in wild rodents, particularly the white-footed mouse, other mammals, and certain ticks, most commonly the black-legged (deer) tick. It is transferred to people by the bite of an infected tick.

6. Who gets Lyme disease?

People of any age and in any part of Loudoun County can get Lyme disease. Infections occur throughout the year, but are more common during the late spring and summer and in people who work or play outdoors. Dogs, cats, and horses can also get Lyme disease.

7. How is the organism spread?

The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are spread by black-legged ticks.

You cannot get Lyme disease from animals or other people.

8. What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?

View the signs and symptoms webpage for information.

9. How can Lyme disease be prevented?

View the Lyme disease prevention webpage for helpful tips.

10. What should I do if I think I have Lyme disease?

You should contact your doctor if you have an unusual rash and/or other signs or symptoms of Lyme disease, or if you believe that you have had a black-legged tick attached to you for at least 36 hours.

The Health Department does not recommend having ticks tested for infection with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.