Abstract des Autors

Lyme disease is a tick-borne, bacterial infection with recognizable short-term and serious long-term consequences. More than 21,000 cases have been reported since 1982, making Lyme disease the number one reported tick-borne disease in the United States. At first, reports were received from several states, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest. However, the number of states reporting Lyme disease cases has increased to 46, and the disease is now considered a nationwide problem. This article reviews the expansion of this disease, chracterizes its signs and symptoms, and describes the role of athletic trainers and their assistants in the detection and referral of probable cases. Guidelines are given for the prevention of Lyme disease and its serious arthritic, cardiac, and neurological consequences. Verf.-Referat