Your Trusted Resource for Evidence-Based Information on Lyme and other Tick-Borne Illnesses

Because quality science is the best medicine

About Lyme Disease

I enthusiastically rise today to honor the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Inc. (ALDF). Established in 1990, ALDF is the nation’s most vital public voice in the battle against Lyme disease. From its comprehensive educational campaign to generous support for cutting-edge research, ALDF champions the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease, saving thousands of people each year from the often painful and debilitating symptoms of tick-borne infections.

Carolyn Maloney

Although Lyme disease is a public health concern, extensive publicity has resulted in a degree of anxiety about Lyme disease that is out of proportion to the actual morbidity that it causes.

Dr. Eugene Shapiro

Why ALDF?

Scientifically Accurate Information

We are committed to providing accurate and reliable information backed by scientific research. Our mission is to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses. 

Credible, Transparent Resources You Can Rely On

We meticulously screen the information we share to ensure that it is trustworthy and provided by reliable sources. With a focus on transparency, we provide you with provide you with science-based facts about Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses.

Complete coverage: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Lyme disease

ALDF provides comprehensive and reliable information on Lyme disease, covering everything from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. With a commitment to research, education, and prevention, we strive to be a useful and holistic resource to our readers.

Decades of Pioneering and Leading Lyme Disease Education

Our organization consists of a diverse group of expert health professionals and researchers, each bringing years of invaluable knowledge and experience. We have been dedicated to advancing Lyme disease education for physicians and the public since 1990.

Tribute to Phil Baker

About ALDF

The Best Available Scientific Evidence Published
in Medical Literature

Lyme Disease Resources

With our reliable resources, we empower physicians to make informed decisions and contribute to the prevention and management of Lyme disease. Join us in our mission to research, educate, and prevent Lyme disease. The future of healthcare starts with you.

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Lyme Disease Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and neurological problems. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms, medical history, and a blood test to detect antibodies against B. burgdorferi.  Early treatment can help prevent complications and long-term health issues.

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Chronic Lyme Disease
“Chronic Lyme disease” refers to a nonspecific diagnosis without a consistent definition that has been given to patients with various generic symptoms that could be associated with infection with B. burgdorferi, but are not confirmed to be. Individuals diagnosed, either by a “Lyme literate” physician or by themselves, attribute symptoms such as fatigue and nonspecific pain to chronic Lyme.

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FIND A PHYSICIAN

We caution patients against seeking providers who use treatment regimens different from the ISDA guidelines and those who use non-standard or experimental Lyme disease tests.

Prevention

Diagnosis

Treatment

Chronic Lyme Disease

Tick Species

Tick-Borne Illnesses

Updates in Lyme Research

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Risk of Contracting Lyme Disease by State

High risk areas, relevant Ixodes tick species are widespread and have been found to be consistently infected with Borrelia burgdorferi.

  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Wisconsin
  • Maine
  • New Hampshire
  • Minnesota
  • Maryland
  • Connecticut
  • Virginia
  • Vermont
  • Rhode Island
  • West Virginia
  • Massachusetts
  • Delaware

*Risk is calculated by prevalence/existence of either Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus ticks, the bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi spp.), epidemiological data demonstrating ticks are infected, and population size/distribution in areas where people are found.

Moderate risk areas, relevant Ixodes tick species can be found infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, but distribution across the state is less widespread or clustered in specific areas.

  • California
  • Ohio
  • Michigan
  • Illinois
  • North Carolina
  • District of Columbia
  • Iowa
  • Indiana

*Risk is calculated by prevalence/existence of either Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus ticks, the bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi spp), epidemiological data demonstrating ticks are infected, and population size/distribution in areas where people are found.

Low risk areas, relevant Ixodes species have been found, but only sparse areas where they have been identified to be carrying Borrelia burgdorferi.

  • Tennessee
  • Kentucky
  • South Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Washington
  • South Dakota
  • Nebraska
  • Louisiana

*Risk is calculated by prevalence/existence of either Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus ticks, the bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi spp), epidemiological data demonstrating ticks are infected, and population size/distribution in areas where people are found.

Very low risk areas, only I. scapularis ticks have been found, and there has been no record of infection with Borrelia burgdoferi identified.

  • Oklahoma
  • Kansas
  • Oregon
  • Florida
  • Alabama
  • Utah
  • Georgia
  • Texas
  • Arkansas
  • Nevada
  • Arizona
  • Missouri
  • Mississippi

*Risk is calculated by prevalence/existence of either Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus ticks, the bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi spp), epidemiological data demonstrating ticks are infected, and population size/distribution in areas where people are found.

No risk areas have either Ixodes ticks or Borrelia burgdorferi as resident species

  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • Wyoming

*Risk is calculated by prevalence/existence of either Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes pacificus ticks, the bacterium (Borrelia burgdorferi spp), epidemiological data demonstrating ticks are infected, and population size/distribution in areas where people are found.

RESOURCES

With our research, education, and prevention efforts, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Lyme disease. Join our community and follow us on Instagram for more valuable insights. Together, we can combat Lyme disease and promote better health outcomes for all. Research. Education. Prevention.

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Who We Serve

General Population

At the American Lyme Disease Foundation, we are dedicated to providing up-to-date and credible information, dispel myths and misconceptions, and serve as a valuable resource for anyone with questions about Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses. Trust us to provide the knowledge and support you need on your journey to better health.

Health Agencies

ALDF tackles the challenge of misinformation posted online, supporting health agencies to effectively manage risks and safeguard more patients. With our reliable information, we empower organizations to save lives by providing accurate and up-to-date resources.  Together, we can make a difference.

Physicians and Healthcare Professionals

Doctors and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in combating misinformation about Lyme disease and tick-related illnesses. At ALDF, we serve as a trusted channel for patients to connect with the right healthcare professionals who can provide accurate information, diagnosis, and treatment. Research. Education. Prevention. That’s our commitment to you.

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In The News

Videos and Podcasts

Body of Evidence Podcast

Jonathan and Chris speak to Dr. Andrea Love, a microbiologist, immunologist, science communicator, and the director of the American Lyme Disease Foundation. The tick-borne illness known as Lyme disease is everywhere: on the news, on social media… but is it really near you? Dr. Love separates facts from fiction when it comes to Lyme disease, both the acute infection and the alleged chronic condition.

Biomedical Scientist Answers Pseudoscience Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

Biomedical scientist Dr. Andrea Love answers your questions about pseudosciences and false health claims from Twitter. What red flags should you look out for when gauging trust in health influencers? How harmful are cell phone towers to our health? Are organic foods actually free from pesticides? Answers to these questions and many more await—it’s Pseudoscience Support.

Debunking Pseudoscience

Dr. Andrea Love is a biomedical scientist who answers questions about pseudoscience and debunks false health claims from social media.

Anticipating CSICon 2024: A Video Interview with Andrea Love

For this episode, my guest was Andrea Love, who is a biomedical scientist and science communicator with a PhD in microbiology and immunology. She has over a decade of experience in basic sciences, translational medicine, and clinical research.

The Tick App helping to battle the bloodsucker

Dr. Jean Tsao, Ph.D and associate professor at MSU realizes many people are re-introducing themselves to the outdoors.

SciLine: Dr. Jean Tsao

Ticks, the diseases they cause, and how to avoid them

Digital / Print

Politifact:

Was Lyme disease spread as a bioweapon? No, that theory is Pants on Fire!

SciTech Daily:

Lyme disease: the ‘yuppie virus’ with dangerous false diagnoses

The Times UK:

Lyme disease: the ‘yuppie virus’ with dangerous false diagnoses

Business Insider:

A little-known tick-borne infection could have permanent or fatal consequences

Authored By Members Of ALDF

Skeptical Inquirer:

Why Is Lyme Disease, an Acute Bacterial Infection, Plagued with Misinformation? A convergence of misunderstanding, bad actors, media attention, and fear-based messaging | By Dr. Andrea Love

The Conversation:

How the Lyme disease epidemic is spreading and why ticks are so hard to stop | By Dr. Durland Fish

Who We Are

Our Mission

Our goal is to provide up-to-date and credible information, dispel myths and misconceptions, and serve as a resource for anyone with questions about Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses.

The Team

Our staff includes leading academic research scientists who have published more than 800 articles in top medical journals.

MORE ABOUT THE ALDF

Awards and Certifications

Among websites specifically devoted to Lyme disease, ALDF ranks first for accurate Information related to Lyme Disease by the NIH National Center for Biotechnology Information

Green Shield award by NewsGuard’s team of trained journalists and experienced editors