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By Megan Smith
Special to the Rappahannock News
Occurrence of Lyme disease in Virginia increased 30 percent between 2005 and 2006 to 357 cases, according to preliminary state data. But the number is expected to rise even more as statistics dribble in.
While the infection rate is insignificant compared to Virginia’s total population of about 7.64 million, one state official fears this number is low due to inaccurate reporting from the medical community.
Lyme, or Borrelia burgdorferi, is a bacterium transmitted to humans through a bite from the tiny blacklegged tick - also known as the deer tick - after at least 24 hours of attachment.
The diverse symptoms of Lyme can be impairing - even fatal — if left medically untreated. According to the Lyme Disease Association’s Web site, they range from the immediate telltale “bull’s eye” rash and intermittent flu-like symptoms to latter indications of joint pain, bladder and cardiac dysfunction and neurological disorders.
88.4%