Be Tick Free - A Guide for Preventing Lyme Disease Lyme Disease
in New York State The New York State Department of Health
(NYSDOH) and local health departments continue to investigate
the spread of Lyme disease throughout New York State. Lyme
disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an
infected deer tick. Untreated, the disease can cause a number of
health problems. Patients treated with antibiotics in the early
stage of the infection usually recover rapidly and completely.
Since Lyme disease first became reportable in 1986, over 98,500
cases have been confirmed in New York State. What is Lyme
Disease? Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted by the
deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) . Lyme disease may cause symptoms
affecting the skin, nervous system, heart and/or joints of an
individual. Over 98,500 cases have been reported to the New York
State Department of Health since Lyme disease became reportable
in 1986. Who gets Lyme disease? Lyme disease can affect people
of any age. People who spend