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Dr. Carol A. McCarthy, MD is a pediatrician in Portland, ME specializing in general pediatrics and pediatric infectious disease. She graduated from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1983 and has 43 years of experience. Dr. Carol A. McCarthy, MD is affiliated with MaineHealth, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center and MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization.
MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a condition caused by bacteria (borrelia burgdorferi) that are transmitted via infected ticks. Most cases of Lyme disease are found in the United States East Coast and parts of the Midwest. The three main vectors of transmission for Lyme disease are:
As background, ticks lay on the tops of grass and brush, clutching onto leaves with their legs and with their arms outstretched. This formation is called "questing" and allows ticks to quickly latch onto passers-by. Within two hours of biting a person's skin, the tick slowly begins to feed from the blood of its host, which can transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This tick activity generally occurs seasonally and tick bites mostly occur during the springtime.
After being infected, people with Lyme disease may develop symptoms like fever, exhaustion, headache, joint aches, and skin rash, usually three to thirty days after the tick bite. Lyme disease is characterized by a particular skin rash called erythema migrans, which is an enlarged red rash that starts at the site of the tick bite and expands outwards. The rash is a strong indicator that someone has developed or is at risk of developing Lyme disease.
In the following few months, symptoms may worsen and progress to include:
Most cases of Lyme disease dissipate over a few months. Lyme disease may be cured by a course of oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or doxycycline. Other treatments may include:
People can take action to prevent Lyme disease by exercising caution when in environments with ticks. Using insect repellant and wearing long socks and protecting clothing can help prevent tick bites. Outdoor enthusiasts should regularly perform "tick checks," evaluating their skin for small ticks, especially in areas where ticks may easily burrow. Showering within two hours of returning indoors also can reduce the likelihood of developing Lyme disease.
Dr. Carol A. McCarthy, MD graduated from University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1983. She completed residency at University of Rochester Medical Center. She is certified by the Board Certification: Pediatrics and has a state license in Maine.
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (1983)
Residency: University of Rochester Medical Center (1986)
Board Certification: Board Certification: Pediatrics (1987)
Licensed In: Maine
Dr. Carol A. McCarthy, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Carol A. McCarthy, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Portland, ME.
Dr. Carol McCarthy's areas of specialization are pediatric infectious disease and general pediatrics. Dr. McCarthy's areas of expertise include lyme disease and arthritis. She attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry for medical school and subsequently trained at the University of Rochester Medical Center for residency. She is affiliated with MaineHealth.
