Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)

Author(s):
Melissa Woosley, RN, MSN, CIC, LTC-CIP, T-CHEST, WCC Infection Preventionist

Lexington VA Health Care System
Lexington, KY

Original Publication:
September 30, 2025
Declarations of Conflicts of Interest:
  • Melissa Woosley, RN, MSN, CIC, LTC-CIP, T-CHEST was an APIC Text editor at time of chapter writing. She did not handle the chapter as an editor and her role on the APIC Text editorial team had no impact on her chapter authorship. Melissa declares no other conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgments:

Special thanks to Kathleen Roye-Horn, RN, CIC Consultant, for authoring the previous 2014 chapter.

Abstract

Lyme disease is a vector-borne disease transmitted to humans and some animals through the bite of the blacklegged tick that carries the Borrelia bacteria. Borrelia burgdorferi is the primary causative bacteria for Lyme disease; however, Borrelia mayonii has also been known to cause the disease in the upper midwestern United States. Ref 86-5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CD). Lyme Disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) 2022 Case Definition. https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/ca... - You do not have permission to view this object.  Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic, as well as in Canada and Europe. Ref 86-6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lyme disease surveillance and data. Lyme Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research... - You do not have permission to view this object.  Lyme disease has been a nationally reportable disease in the U.S. since January 1991. Ref 86-7 Mayo Clinic. Lyme Disease: Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651 P... - You do not have permission to view this object.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, more than 89,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported, and an estimated 476,000 cases were diagnosed in the U.S. Ref 86-6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lyme disease surveillance and data. Lyme Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research... - You do not have permission to view this object.  These numbers represent a significant rise in cases from previous years, likely due to the CDC’s 2022 surveillance case definition change. Ref 86-6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lyme disease surveillance and data. Lyme Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-research... - You do not have permission to view this object.  Symptoms of Lyme disease can begin in as few as 3 days and up to 30 days following a tick bite. Untreated Lyme disease can cause chronic health issues such as arthritis, encephalopathy, and polyneuropathy. Ref 86-8 Cleveland Clinic. Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & Recovery.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11586-lyme... - You do not have permission to view this object.