Children’s Lyme Disease Network Home

  • Welcome to Children’s Lyme Disease Network

    CLDN was formed out of a concern over the growing number of children becoming infected
    with Lyme Disease and the challenges families face in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.
    • About Lyme Disease

      Each year, at least 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the United States. The highest reported incidence of Lyme disease occurs in children, ages 5 – 14.

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    • Impact on Children

      The symptoms of Lyme disease can be so debilitating that participating in school and activities is impossible. Kids can be robbed of creating those memorable childhood moments.

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    • About PANS/PANDAS

      PANS/PANDAS effects children & adolescents causing debilitating symptoms, often characterized by an abrupt onset of OCD behaviors, anxiety, & attention deficit disorder.

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    • View Kid’s Stories

      A child’s voice can be a powerful tool for creating change. Our Storywall is their wall. It’s your wall. Share your child’s Lyme disease or PANS story. And let them be heard.

       View Kid’s Stories

  • CLDN was formed out of a concern over the number of children infected with Lyme Disease

    The Children’s Lyme Disease Network (CLDN) was launched in May 2011 with the sole purpose of focusing attention on the impact and prevalence of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne infections in children. The all-volunteer organization was formed out of a concern over the growing number of children becoming infected with Lyme Disease and the challenges families face in getting a proper diagnosis and treatment.

    Promote awareness and provide educational outreach

    Our mission is to promote awareness and provide educational outreach to parents, caregivers, health care providers, and organizations that interact regularly with children, particularly those in the age group most at-risk of becoming infected.

    We hope to serve as a centralized resource site that addresses the specific needs families face who have, or suspect they may have a child with Lyme Disease or another tick-borne infection.

     Learn More Children’s Lyme Disease Network
  • A Lost Childhood

     

  • Quick Facts

    • 75,000 new cases

      Estimated new cases of children getting Lyme disease each year. According to the CDC: there are 300,000 new Lyme disease cases yearly. Approximately 25% of all cases are children.

    • 35-50%

      The common test you receive at your doctor’s office misses 35% of culture proven Lyme disease. Some studies indicate up to 50% of the patients tested for Lyme disease receive false negative results.

    • 50%

      Fewer than 50% of patients with Lyme disease recall a tick bite.

    • 5 Doctors

      The average patient sees 5 doctors over nearly 2 years before being diagnosed.

    • 40%

      40% of Lyme patients end up with long term health problems.

    • We were at my family’s camp. I told my mom that my knee was swollen. It was very swollen but I hadn’t twisted it or fell while playing. There was nothing to explain it. We never thought of Lyme. I got joint pain in my hands, knees and feet, fatigue and brain fogginess. I had to quit my dancing class and started taking medicine. I’m not tired anymore and I’m dancing again.

      Courtney from Michigan. Diagnosed: Lyme disease at age 10
    • When I was 15, I was bitten by a tick while hunting. I never saw a rash. Several months after the bite, I started feeling sick. I lost weight, got a lot of sore throats and fevers and my muscles ached. My fingers and shoulder started twitching and my legs hurt so much I almost had to quite the basketball team. I was diagnosed with Lyme and treated for over a year. I’m better now and attend college. I’d like to tell all the doctors in our state that I am a testament to the fact that there is Lyme disease in Texas.

      Lee from Texas. Diagnosed: Lyme disease at age 15

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