CDC: Lyme disease on rise in Va.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Virginia residents are being warned about an increase in cases of Lyme disease statewide.

The Daily Progress of Charlottesville reports that the warning stems from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which cited data that show that Lyme disease activity is spreading southward and westward from the northern regions of Virginia.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, more than 1,200 cases of Lyme disease were reported statewide last year.

The tick-borne illness is transmitted to humans through bites from infected ticks. Symptoms appear in one to two weeks and include a rash, fever, achiness and joint pain.

It can be treated by antibiotics.


Information from: The Daily Progress, http://www.dailyprogress.com