i understand your concern Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks. Lyme disease is transmitted through a bite from a specific type of tick. The animals that most often carry these insects are white-footed field mice, deer, raccoons, opossums, skunks, weasels, foxes, shrews, moles, chipmunks, squirrels, and horses. The majority of these ticks have been found in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In its early stages, Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics. In general, the sooner such therapy is begun following infection, the quicker and more complete the recovery. Antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin taken orally for two to four weeks, can speed the healing of the rash and can usually prevent subsequent symptoms such as arthritis or neurological problems. Lyme disease with arthritis also can be treated with antibiotics. Most patients experience full recovery.Patients allergic to penicillin are given erythromycin or related antibiotics. Doctors prefer to treat Lyme disease patients experiencing heart symptoms with antibiotics such as Rocephin, Claforan, or penicillin given intravenously for about two weeks.People with Lyme disease rarely experience long-term heart damage. you were cured 20 years ago. This postive result for Lyme is due to new infection with the bacteria here are some preventive measures Most people with Lyme disease become infected during the late spring, summer, and early fall when immature ticks are out looking for their meal. Except in warm climates, few people are bitten by deer ticks during winter months. Deer ticks are most often found in wooded areas and nearby grasslands, and are especially common where the two areas merge, including neighborhood yards where deer occasionally roam. Ticks do not survive long on sunny lawns, they dry out quickly and die. Wear long sleeves and tightly woven clothing that is light in color when walking in wooded areas so the ticks can be seen more easily. Wear your shirt tucked into your pants, and your pants tucked into your socks or boots. Walk in the center of trails through the woods to avoid picking up ticks from overhanging grass and brush. Keep grass trimmed as short as possible. Apply tick repellents with DEET to your clothing, shoes and socks before going out. Another tick repellent called permethrin, designed to be placed on the clothing can be used alone or in combination with DEET. (Although highly effective, these repellents can cause some serious side effects, particularly when high concentrations are used repeatedly on the skin. Infants and children may be especially at risk for adverse reactions.) Check yourself, your family, and your pets routinely for ticks, especially after a trip outdoors. Shower and shampoo your hair if you think you may have been exposed to ticks. Check your clothes for ticks and wash them immediately in order to remove any ticks. If an infected tick bites, it will not transmit the infection until it has had the opportunity to have its blood meal. This takes time, thus there is value in inspecting your body after outdoor activities in areas where Lyme disease is known to occur. Newly attached ticks can be easily removed before they transmit the infection. Take Care!