{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Experts say Lyme disease is rising nationally, but just five cases were reported in Kentucky in each of the past two years. Lyme disease is spread by the black-legged deer tick, which is rarely seen in Kentucky. Mike Schardein, a health policy specialist for the state's Department for Public Health, says he believes there are several cases that haven't been confirmed because doctors don't test for it. Early symptoms of the disease include a fever, headache and fatigue, which can be accompanied by a rash. If not treated, the disease can cause arthritis or spread to the heart and nervous system. Paul Mead, a consulting physician for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says the local frequency of a disease is essential to consider before making a diagnosis.
