Explainer: What to Know About Lyme Disease

Explainer: What to know about lyme disease

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It spreads primarily through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). These ticks typically become infected by feeding on infected wildlife, such as rodents. Each year, an estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed with Lyme disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control a…

How many people are affected by Lyme disease? Here's what to know

Justin Timberlake isn't alone in his battle with Lyme disease. Thousands of Americans are diagnosed with the tick-borne illness each year.