Prevention of lyme disease after tick bites: a cost effectiveness analysis
Article Abstract:
Only a small proportion of those bitten by ticks should receive empirical therapy since most bites are not recognized. The risk of Lyme disease from a recognized bite is statistically equal to the risk of an adverse reaction to antibiotics. Antibiotic, empirical therapy is recommended only if the patient has been bitten in states with the established presence of B. burgdorferi, the spirochete causing Lyme disease. This therapy does have the advantage of preventing cardiac, neurologic, and rheumatologic problems, particularly in patients who have not shown earlier signs of the disease. If the tick cannot be identified or is not an ixodes tick, the species carrying Lyme disease, antibiotic therapy is not recommended.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1992
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How can we prevent Lyme disease?
Article Abstract:
Lyme disease can be prevented by avoiding areas where ticks live, using tick repellents, and removing any ticks from the body after coming in from outdoors. This will also reduce the risk of other tick-borne diseases. Most people who get Lyme disease can be treated successfully but the infection can have long-term complications in some people. A Lyme vaccine was withdrawn from the market in 2002 because there was little demand for it.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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Doxycycline for tick bites -- not for everyone
Article Abstract:
Most people probably do not need to take antibiotics after a tick bite to prevent Lyme disease. The risk of Lyme disease after a tick bite is very low even in the Northeast where over 90% of cases occur. The disease is also easily treated and has a good prognosis. If preventive antibiotics are given, a single dose of doxycycline is 87% effective.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2001
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