Question

Lyme disease was likely present in the northeast US before European colonization. Changes such as deforestation and decreased deer population that came with the Europeans lead to a decrease in Lyme disease prevalence. In the 20th century the changes brought about by early European settlers were being changed back, this lead to Lyme disease being discovered in Lyme, Connecticut by rheumatologist Dr. Allen Steere. In 1982 the bacterial pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi was isolated by microbiologist Dr. Willy Burgdorfer. Lyme disease became a big enough public health problem to be officially "reportable" in 1991. There has been a steady increase in Lyme disease in cases in recent years due to population growth and climate change.

Answer 1

Lyme disease, a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by Ixodes ticks, has increasing prevalence in the US due to expanding tick ranges and environmental factors. Knowledge of host species environments aids in control and prevention of the disease, which has been present historically, even in ancient times.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and transmitted by Ixodes tick species, such as Ixodes scapularis in the eastern and north-central US, and Ixodes pacificus on the Pacific coast. The incidence of Lyme disease has been rising, with approximately 300,000 Americans estimated to be infected each year. The increase is attributed to the expanding range of tick species and contributing factors like climate change and population growth. Understanding the environments and population densities of host species like white-footed mice, which have a higher proportion of Lyme disease carrying ticks than deer, is essential for a physician or an epidemiologist to combat the disease's transmission.

Historically, genetic evidence such as that found in Ötzi the Iceman suggests Lyme disease has been present for thousands of years. Nonetheless, the disease became reportable in the US in 1991 as it emerged as a significant public health issue. Lyme disease may result in a characteristic bullseye rash, and if untreated, can cause chronic disorders in the nervous system, eyes, joints, and heart.