Lyme disease has been around since the 1980's when Dr. Burdorfer identified the bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi named in honor of his research) responsible for causing the disease. The reason why it is called Lyme disease has to do with the town of Lyme, Connecticut where a large number of individuals where diagnosed w/ the symptoms of the disease. One of the tell tale signs of the disease is a "Bull's Eye" rash (Erythema migrans) but it can manifest in other ways. It is a chronic disease. (1/x)
@Victor the "bulls eye rash" only shows up in about a third of cases, so don't assume you're ok if you don't see the rash
@redenigma Erythema migrans may present itself to about 70% of those infected with Lyme disease. Yes, you may have other symptoms present and not the bull's eye rash as presented in the dichotomy graph:: Non-respiratory like illness, cardiac, neurological, and arthritic symptoms. The latter symptoms present themselves later in the disease so treatment to avoid chronic, life long ailments must be started early with antibiotics.