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No magic bullet for eliminating or medical breakthrough for preventing Lyme disease can be seen on the horizon. This fast-growing pandemic, second only to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in public interest and concern, will probably continue to increase in range and incidence for the foreseeable future. Ticks are notoriously difficult to thwart, but intelligent application of control measures may be effective. More important, commonsense safety measures offer personal protection to the degree that they are assiduously practiced.

Physicians will recognize Lyme disease faster if they maintain a high index of suspicion in a young patient with arthritis accompanied by negative rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody in combination with cardiac conduction problems or lymphocytic meningitis. The Lyme spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) has notable sensitivity to tetracycline, penicillin, and erythromycin; therefore, proper and complete treatment of the disease, once it is identified, can be easily achieved. Finkel observed that Lyme disease manifests itself as a "great imitator," as do many disorders caused by a spirochete. The total impact of Lyme disease on public health will be known only when the disease is fully recognized, consistently reported, and adequately managed.