Stuff You Should Know The Skinny on Lyme Disease
Sep 17, 2019
Dive into the world of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness on the rise across the U.S. Discover its surprising history, the challenges of diagnosis, and hear personal stories from advocates. The discussion humorously blends tick prevention tips with early 2000s pop culture nostalgia. Explore how climate change affects tick populations and the legislative efforts to combat this health threat. With a mix of facts and laughs, it's an eye-opening look at a public health issue that's growing in significance.
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Lyme Disease Spread
- Lyme disease is spreading rapidly across the U.S., now prevalent in half of all counties.
- The CDC classifies it as endemic, while others argue it's an epidemic.
Lyme Disease Cause and Adaptability
- Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites.
- This bacterium is highly adaptable, changing its protein expression rapidly, making it hard for the immune system to fight.
Lyme, Connecticut Outbreak
- In the 1970s, a cluster of children and adults in Lyme, Connecticut experienced mysterious symptoms.
- Two mothers, Judith Mensch and Polly Murray, advocated for recognition of the disease, despite doctors' dismissal.