Most cases of Lyme disease are reported from May through August, which corresponds to the peak activity period for nymphs. This suggests that the majority of Lyme disease cases are transmitted by nymphal deer ticks.

What month is Lyme Disease Awareness Month?

States and counties throughout the US have proclaimed May Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Many states and counties have taken steps to raise awareness regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

Is Lyme disease common in winter?

Can you get Lyme disease in the winter? Yes, you can get Lyme disease in the winter. You can also get one of the many other tick-borne diseases endemic to North America outside of typical “summer months.” Below, learn more about what makes Lyme and other tick-borne diseases a risk all year-round.

Why is Lyme disease more common in summer?

About 23,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in the United States in 2005. Early summer is the peak time for Lyme disease infection because ticks are in the nymphal stage and are so small, about the size of a head of a pin, that they are not noticed by the host.

Can you get Lyme disease in February?

While many myths exists, one of the most interesting myths about Lyme disease pertains to transmission. People believe that ticks cannot survive in the winter; so, Lyme disease cannot be transmitted during winter. In the United States, Lyme disease is one of the most common diseases carried by ticks.

Are black legged ticks active in winter?

And while they may not make a den to hibernate in or build up a cache to keep themselves fed, ticks do still have plans for winter. “Black-legged ticks spend most of their life in the leaf litter of the forest. This is also true during periods when it is very cold,” says Clow.

Can a person live with Lyme disease?

Feb. 1, 2000 (Washington) -- People afflicted with Lyme disease go on to lead normal lives, plagued by the same nettlesome but rarely serious problems that are reported by most people, according to the largest study on the long-term effects of the tick-borne illness.

Does weather affect Lyme disease?

In addition to climate, seasonal weather variations have a strong effect on tick populations. Changes in temperature and precipitation from year to year affect the Lyme disease incidence. Multiple studies have shown that there is a correlation between the amount of precipitation and the incidence of Lyme disease.

What does Lyme do to your brain?

“Brain fog” is a term people commonly use to describe it. In some cases, Lyme disease can cause encephalopathy. Its effects include memory loss, confusion, difficulty forming words and thoughts, difficulty focusing, and personality changes. These symptoms can be very subtle when they develop late in the disease.