Though it has probably been in existence for a long time, Lyme disease was only recently identified as a distinct illness. The disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, a corkscrew-shaped microorganism which is spread by ticks that thrive in wooded areas and tall grasses and infect deer, mice, and domestic animals as well as humans. Most common in New England, the upper Midwest, and northern California, it has been diagnosed in more than 40 states. Although Lyme disease is not fatal, it can cause lasting debilitation.

A Lyme disease infection progresses through three stages. The first stage includes a bull's-eye-like rash that can appear at the site of the tick bite in a few days to a few weeks. There can also be symptoms similar to influenza, headaches, and soreness in the neck. The second stage includes irregular heartbeat, joint pains, disturbances of vision and...