Long Island Lyme Disease Treatment

Information and Medical Treatment Guide for people of Long Island New York

Recent data from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the significant impact of Lyme disease in New York. Since the year 2000, over 71,000 cases have been reported in the state, underscoring the urgency of ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts.

In 2014, the latest year for which detailed research data is available, New York witnessed 3,736 new cases of Lyme disease. This figure not only reflects the prevalence of the disease but also emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat its spread.

These statistics serve as a crucial reminder of the persistent risk Lyme disease poses to public health in New York. They underscore the importance of preventive strategies, early detection, and prompt treatment to manage this significant health challenge.

How many people get Lyme disease?

Approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to CDC by state health departments each year. However, this number does not reflect every case of Lyme disease that is diagnosed in the United States every year. According to the CDC, since many cases go unnoticed by the patient, may be misdiagnosed, or go unreported to the CDC, the actual number of cases could be higher.

Surveillance systems provide vital information, but they do not capture every illness. Researchers are trying to estimate the total burden the disease places on the public, physically and financially, in order to allocate resources and measure the economic impact this disease carries with it. This is a hard task due to the lack of reports from patients to their doctors caused by misinformation and/or lack of knowledge about Lyme Disease. The CDC uses the best and most accurate information available to make reasonable adjustments—based on related data, previous study results, and common assumptions—in order to account for missing pieces of information between patients and their healthcare provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is dedicated to understanding the prevalence of Lyme disease to enhance public health and safety measures. In pursuit of this goal, the CDC conducted two pivotal studies:

Project 1: Lyme Disease Testing in Large Commercial Laboratories
This study, focusing on the year 2008, estimated the incidence of Lyme disease based on laboratory test results. The analysis revealed that approximately 288,000 patients (with a range between 240,000 and 444,000) tested positive for Lyme disease, as per data sourced from clinical laboratory surveys.
Project 2: Clinician-Diagnosed Lyme Disease Incidence (2005–2010)
Utilizing medical claims data from a comprehensive insurance database, this study estimated that around 329,000 cases (ranging between 296,000 and 376,000) of Lyme disease are diagnosed annually across the United States.

The findings from these studies approximate that nearly 300,000 individuals are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year in the U.S. It’s important to note that these statistics do not alter our understanding of the geographical concentration of the disease. Lyme disease predominantly affects the Northeast and upper Midwest regions. In fact, over 96% of reported cases are concentrated within 14 states in these areas, as depicted in the accompanying map.

Understanding the scale and distribution of Lyme disease diagnoses is crucial in shaping effective public health strategies and awareness campaigns.

Meet The Doctor

“As Physicians, our daily commitment to doing what’s best for our patients is inspiring, honorable and challenging. Our profession allows us to enter people’s lives in moments of vulnerability, and trust is the foundation for that relationship. Part of how we earn and maintain patient trust is through the high standards we collectively embrace to demonstrate that we are able to provide the best level of care for our patients. This is achieved by dedication and love for our patients and medicine. I salute every physician who puts their patient’s well being first and who follows his/her Hippocratic oath to the fullest.

Medicine is not only a science, but it is also an art. We are all created uniquely with different DNA. Therefore, the same treatment plan will not bring the same result every time. Education, Evaluation and Unique Treatment Plan are the main hallmarks of my practice. Together we make a unique team that will find the best treatment for you. The first step is a thorough medical evaluation and later is the full explanation of the test results. And finally, it is you, and only you, that should make the final informed decision regarding your medical care.”

– Dr. David Kavesteen, M.D. FACC Cardiologist

Dr. David Kavesteen received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from SUNY Stony Brook with Magna Cum Laude and distinction in research award. He pursued his passion in medicine at SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn, School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the prestigious New York University Medical Center. Dr. Kavesteen continued further education by specializing in cardiovascular diseases and nuclear cardiology. He completed his fellowship training at Maimonides Medical Center. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular diseases and nuclear cardiology. He is a diplomat of the American College of Cardiology and American Board of Internal Medicine. He has received numerous awards and he has published many articles in medicine. He is the founder of Heart and Health Medical, PLLC.

Dr. Kavesteen believes that prevention is the key to longevity and maintaining a healthy heart and life. His genuine interest in prevention in all facets of medicine has given him a unique perspective in healing and rejuvenation. In recent years, he has combined Eastern medicine with Western medicine. He believes that human body should be treated as a whole.

Patient Choice Award in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Awarded Leading Physician of the World and the Top Cardiologist in Babylon, NY by the International Association of Cardiologists, and as One of Americas Top Cardiologists 2010 by the Consumers Research Council of America. Heart and Health Medical has offices in Babylon, Massapequa, Middle Island, Plainview, and a Medical Mobile Unit.

Dr. Kavesteen has treated many Cardiac Lyme Disease cases throughout Nassau and Suffolk County area in Long Island New York. It is very important to see a Lyme-literate doctor because they have experience in treating not only Acute Lyme disease, but also later manifestation of lyme disease as Cardiac Lyme disease and Neurological Lyme disease and the many co-infections that ticks can transmit.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a notable bacterial infection primarily transmitted through bites from infected black-legged ticks. This condition is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, a type of spirochete characterized by its elongated, spiral shape.

One of the critical aspects of Lyme disease is its complex and often intermittent symptomatology. This characteristic poses a significant challenge in accurate diagnosis, making Lyme disease a particularly precarious health concern.

Geographically, the northeastern regions of the United States, including areas such as Long Island in New York, are recognized hotspots for Lyme disease. This is corroborated by data from the Empire State Lyme Disease Association, which indicates that New York is among the states with the highest reported cases of Lyme disease nationally.

Understanding the epidemiology, transmission, and presentation of Lyme disease is vital for both healthcare professionals and the public. Early detection and appropriate management are key to mitigating the risks associated with this infection.

How does the ticks get this infection to transmit to others?

Recent advancements in medical research have shed light on the transmission dynamics of Lyme disease. Specialists have determined that ticks must first come into contact with an infected animal, such as a mouse or deer, to carry the infection. While not every tick bite results in Lyme disease, the risk should not be underestimated.

For individuals who have been bitten by a tick or suspect they might have been, it is strongly recommended to undergo a blood test for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. This precaution is vital even if the tick is not found on the body, as ticks can detach unnoticed.

Key indicators of a potential Lyme disease infection include redness, swelling, or the development of a rash, particularly if it exhibits a distinctive “bulls-eye” pattern. In such instances, immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is advised to obtain a referral for the necessary blood tests.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that these blood tests are highly effective in detecting Lyme disease from both recent and past tick bites. Therefore, individuals who have had a tick bite in the past but did not undergo testing should consider being tested if bitten again. This approach ensures that any instance of Lyme disease, whether from a previous or a recent tick encounter, is accurately diagnosed.

Best Tick Repellent and Prevention for humans

While it is a good idea to use the best measures for tick repellent year-round, you should be extra vigilant in warmer months (April through September) when ticks are most active and abundant. Some ways to repel ticks or avoid getting a tick bite are:

- Avoid direct contact with ticks, animals that may contract/spread a tick, or warm/wet places that ticks can survive
- Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter that may hide the ticks from view
- Walk in the center of trails if possible
- Check yourself, pets, children, etc. after being outside, especially in dense woods or grassy areas

Repel Ticks with DEET or Permethrin (cream or spray):

- Use Ticks repellents that contain 20 to 30% DEET (diethyltoluamide) on exposed skin and clothing for protection that lasts up to several hours. Always carefully follow product instructions.
- Parents should apply these products to their children. Avoid children’s hands, eyes, and mouth. Keep out of reach from children during times without parental supervision.

- Use clothing that contain permethrin. You can also treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents, with products containing 0.5% permethrin. It will continue to protect, even after several washes. Pre-treated clothing is available and its protective agents may last longer.

- Other repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be found at http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.

How to Prevent Tick Bites Brochure (PDF)
The information provided throughout this Web site is intended for educational purposes and not intended to provide personal medical advice. Please consult your medical professional for any treatment or medical advice related to Lyme disease. If you do not have a personal physician, please call one of our four locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk, Long Island New York. We accept most medical insurances and remain open during late night hours. We are here to help you!

Want to learn more? Click here for an overview of Lyme disease!