Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bites of ticks and other insects. It is more likely to be caught in grassy and forested areas where ticks thrive. In the United States, around 95 percent of Lyme disease cases occur in just 14 states, notably those in the northeast and the east north-central states of the Midwest.

Symptoms of Lyme disease include a rash that expands slowly; and flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, muscle aches and pains, headaches, and chills. In its later stages, Lyme disease may also cause severe joint pain and neurological problems, including meningitis, temporary paralysis, impaired muscle movement, and numbness or weakness in the limbs. 

Simple steps such as covering exposed skin in grassy areas, removing ticks correctly, and using insect repellent can minimize the risk of contracting Lyme disease. When caught in the early stages, treatment of Lyme disease can be highly effective. Drug classes used to treat the condition are 2nd generation cephalosporin and cephamycin antibiotics, penicillinase-sensitive penicillin antibiotics, and tetracycline antibiotics.