Lyme Disease Specialist

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and Borrelia mayonii, which are bacteria found in deer ticks. 

These ticks can be as small as a pencil point, making them difficult to detect on the body. However, in order to be infected with the bacteria, the tick needs to bite you and remain attached to you for up to 48 hours.

You may be at risk of contracting Lyme disease if you spend a lot of time in grassy or wooded areas.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Symptoms of acute, or short-term, Lyme disease vary and may develop in stages. Initially most people develop a red, circle rash around the site of the tick bite. This rash is referred to as erythema migrans and can develop 3-30 days after you’ve been bitten.

In addition to the rash, you may also develop a fever, chills, nausea, muscle aches, fatigue, or stiff neck during the early stages of your infection.

If left untreated, your Lyme disease can progress into chronic, or long-term, Lyme disease and may cause other symptoms, such as:

• Additional circle rashes
• Joint pain
• Meningitis
• Mood problems
• Numbness or weakness in your limbs
• Paralysis of your face, also known as Bell’s palsy

Lyme disease may also cause fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or liver inflammation. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mirza for an evaluation and treatment plan. 

Chronic Lyme disease can be misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, lupus, ALS, or other conditions, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. 

Getting treatment early may prevent future health problems related to Lyme disease, such as chronic joint pain or memory issues.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, so it’s vital that you are treated by an LLMD (Lyme-literate medical doctor). Ocala Infectious Disease and Wound Center has Lyme-literate medical providers on staff. To determine if your symptoms are caused by the bacterial infection, Dr. Mirza conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:

• Review of your symptoms
• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Lifestyle habits
• Blood tests

To confirm or rule out Lyme disease, Dr. Mirza may run an antibody test to determine if you’ve been infected with the bacteria.

Take Our Lyme Disease Questionnaire

How is Lyme disease treated?

Because treatment varies from patient to patient, Dr. Mirza emphasizes patient-centered, person-specific care. He has vast experience treating Lyme disease and depending on your symptoms, he creates a treatment plan to treat the disease and improve your health.

Dr. Mirza is a LLMD and provides guidance and long-term care throughout the entire treatment process. He uses the Byron White Formulas, a carefully targeted plant that supports the immune system and has been effective in treating Lyme disease.

For help and management of your Lyme disease, call Ocala Infectious Disease and Wound Center today or schedule an appointment online.