As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, it’s important to remain vigilant about the risk of Lyme disease. The black-legged tick, commonly known as the deer tick, is behind most Lyme disease cases in Illinois, where infections have been steadily increasing. Symptoms can range from fever and joint pain to more severe neurological issues. Many cases remain unreported or misdiagnosed due to their similarity to other illnesses. Each spring, State Representative Dan Swanson champions a resolution to mark May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, urging for increased federal funding and expanded prevention education, especially for children, Illinois’ most at-risk group. The resolution was adopted by the House Public Health Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, are often difficult to diagnose early due to their flu-like symptoms—fatigue, fever, chills, and headaches—that can be mistaken for other illnesses. Although many associate Lyme disease with the bullseye-shaped rash, fewer than half of all patients develop this sign. Other possible symptoms include cognitive issues, muscle and joint pain, neck discomfort, and even facial paralysis. In some cases, more severe cardiac, neurological, or psychiatric complications can occur. Traditional testing might not detect Lyme disease in the early weeks, highlighting the need for awareness and careful symptom tracking after tick exposure.
In the United States, 35,000 to 45,000 new cases are reported each year, but it is estimated that only about one out of every ten cases is reported.
