Lyme disease is an infection caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. In the northeast, the bacteria are transmitted to humans by the bite of infected deer ticks, Ixodes scapularis. The infection can cause serious long-term joint, heart and nervous system problems, if not recognized and treated early.
Massachusetts is among the states with the highest incidence rates for Lyme disease.
Read more at UMass Extension Tick-Borne Disease Diagnostics page
