Focus on COVID-19 leads to delayed diagnosis of Lyme disease

I will be discussing a unique case involving a 67-year-old man whose diagnosis of Lyme disease was delayed because clinicians suspected his symptoms were due to COVID-19.

This case was described by Novak  and colleagues  in the journal Case Rep Infect Dis.

In July 2020, the man presented with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 with chills, body aches, fever, headache, and neck ache.   He was encouraged to be quarantined.

Six weeks later he developed an erythema migrans (EM) rash. He was treated with with doxycycline for either an insect bite or rash.  

A week later he developed double vision due to a 6th nerve palsy, headaches, neck stiffness, and new onset fatigue. 

His was diagnosed and treated with Lyme disease at a Lyme disease telemedicine referral clinic.

1. Novak CB, Scheeler VM, Aucott JN. Lyme Disease in the Era of COVID-19: A Delayed Diagnosis and Risk for Complications. Case Rep Infect Dis. 2021 

You can hear more about these cases through his blogs, social media, and YouTube. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with these cases.

How to Connect with Dr. Daniel Cameron:

• Check out his website: https://www.DanielCameronMD.com/
• Call his office: 914-666-4665
• Email him: DCameron@DanielCameronMD.com 
• Send him a request:  https://danielcameronmd.com/contact-daniel-cameron-md/
• Like him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdanielcameron/
• Join his Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/danielcameronmd/
• Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrDanielCameron
• Sign up for his newsletter: https://www.DanielCameronMD.com/
• Subscribe and ring the bell: https://www.youtube.com/user/danielcameronmd/ 
• Leave a review on iTunes or wherever else you get your podcasts.

We, of course, hope you’ll join the conversation, connect with us and other readers, ask questions, and share your insights.

 Dr. Cameron is a Lyme disease expert and the author "Inside Lyme: An expert's guide to the science of Lyme disease." He has been treating adolescents and adults for more than 30 years.

Please remember that the advice given is general and not intended as specific advice as to any particular patient. If you require specific advice, then please seek that advice from an experienced professional.