What tests are available for Lyme disease?
When a person becomes infected, the body creates antibodies to protect itself from the bacteria. Certain blood tests are available to measure these antibodies. However, sometimes a “false negative” test can result if there are not enough antibodies in the blood for the tests to detect accurately. A doctor should also do a complete medical examination and get information about your activities in order to make a clinical diagnosis for Lyme disease. Who is at risk? Many occupations may be at risk, including forestry, farming, veterinarians, construction, landscaping, ground keepers, park or wildlife management, and anyone who either works outside or has contact with animals that may carry the ticks (including domestic animals like dogs, cats, goats, cows, horses, etc.) Similarly, any person who spends a lot time outdoors (hiking, camping, birding, etc.), especially in grassy or wooded areas may also be at risk. How can Lyme disease be prevented? In areas where ticks are found, people shou
