Vector-borne illnesses are illnesses transmitted to humans by infected insects such as mosquitos and ticks. One of the most well-known vector-borne illnesses in the United States is Lyme disease. According to the CDC, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported in the United States every year. Lyme disease can affect multiple body systems and can be dangerous if not treated quickly and effectively.

Question

Step 1: Research Symptoms and Treatments
Research the symptoms associated with Lyme disease as well as the most common and most effective ways to treat this illness. On a word processing document, create a list of symptoms and treatments to have accessible for the second part of this activity.

Step 2: Demonstrate How the Disease Impacts Cody Systems
Print two copies of the blank body diagram or copy/paste the image into an image editing program. (Another alternative is to draw your own diagrams on a piece of paper.)

outline of a human body with no markings inside
Determine TWO distinct body systems that Lyme disease impacts. Create diagrams that depict each of these two body systems and note on each diagram the symptoms and treatments of Lyme disease that impact that specific body system. You may be able to find blank body diagrams for free by performing an internet search or you could sketch your own.

Step 3: Reflect
Reflect on the following question with a short, written paragraph: How are the two body systems you chose connected? Why do you think that Lyme disease can impact both systems?

Step 4: What to Submit
Here’s what to turn in:

List of symptoms and treatments from Step 1
A picture taken of your diagrams with notes (or the document if you did not print) from Step 2
Reflection paragraph from Step 3

Answer 1

Step 1: Symptoms and Treatments of Lyme Disease

Symptoms of Lyme Disease:

1. Early Stage Symptoms:

   • Erythema migrans (bull's-eye rash)
   • Fatigue
   • Fever
   • Chills
   • Headaches
   • Muscle and joint aches
   • Swollen lymph nodes

2. Later Stage Symptoms (if untreated):

   • Severe headaches and neck stiffness
   • Additional rashes
   • Arthritis (especially in the knees)
   • Neurological issues (e.g., facial palsy, numbness)
   • Cardiac problems (e.g., Lyme carditis)

Treatments of Lyme Disease:

1. Antibiotics:

   • Doxycycline (most commonly prescribed)
   • Amoxicillin
   • Cefuroxime axetil

2. Symptomatic Treatment:

   • Pain relievers for joint and muscle pain (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
   • Corticosteroids (for severe inflammation)

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Step 2: Body Systems Impacted by Lyme Disease

Body System 1: Musculoskeletal System

• Symptoms:
  • Joint pain and swelling.
  • Muscle aches.
• Treatments:
  • Antibiotics to clear the infection.
  • Pain relievers for symptom management.

Diagram Notes: Outline the joints (especially knees) where pain may occur, and include the muscles affected around these joints.

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Body System 2: Nervous System

• Symptoms:
  • Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face).
  • Numbness or tingling in limbs.
  • Severe headaches and neck stiffness.
• Treatments:
  • Antibiotics for infection.
  • Symptomatic relief through pain medication.

Diagram Notes: Mark areas such as the facial nerves and outline areas of the brain related to handling pain sensation.

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Step 3: Reflection

The musculoskeletal system and the nervous system are interconnected, particularly through the way pain and movement are processed in the body. Muscles and joints rely on signals from the nervous system for coordination and function, while the nervous system requires feedback from the musculoskeletal system to understand body positioning and respond to injury. Lyme disease can impact both systems simultaneously because the infection can spread and affect the joints, causing inflammation and pain, while also impairing nerve function. This dual impact highlights how an infection can have widespread effects on overall health, necessitating a comprehensive treatment approach targeting multiple body systems.

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Submission

1. List of Symptoms and Treatments (as outlined above).
2. Diagrams with Notes (attach a picture of your body diagrams here).
3. Reflection Paragraph (as written above).