Scientists: New bacterium can cause Lyme disease

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - A new bacterium can cause Lyme disease. Dr. Bruce Hirsch says the new bacteria were discovered in six Lyme disease patients in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.

Dr. Hirsch, an infectious diseases specialist at Northwell Health in Manhasset, Long Island, says the new strain is spread through deer ticks and mice.

Treatment is exactly the same as treating the usual Lyme diseases cases. However, with this new species a patient's symptoms are a little different. People tend to be more nauseous with the particular bacteria.

Experts say the new species appears to be relatively rare so far. According to Dr. Hirsh, we don't need to be worried here in the tristate area.