Lyme disease is a sickness caused by bacteria from tick bites. It was first found in Connecticut about 50 years ago and is still a problem in North America and some parts of Europe. The disease is common in the Northeast and Midwest of the United States. Symptoms include fever, feeling very tired, and a round red rash that looks like a bull’s-eye. Doctors can usually treat the infection with antibiotics, but some patients continue to have problems such as pain in the joints or tiredness for a long time. A recent medical report said that more research is needed and warned about expensive treatments that are not approved.

Testing for Lyme disease is difficult. The only official test looks for antibodies in the blood, but these do not appear until weeks after the infection. Because of this, many other unapproved tests and treatments are sold, such as saliva kits, herbal cures, or laser therapy. Investigations found many clinics in the United States offering these treatments for very high prices. Experts said that some methods, like long use of antibiotics, can even be dangerous. Health authorities ask people to be careful and wait for safer and proven medical options.