Dr. Michael A. Jurgens

The "great masquerader" is how Dr. Michael Jurgens, clinical assistant professor at University Hospitals, describes Lyme disease.

"I have treated 20 to 30 patients over the last 10 years (with Lyme disease)," Jurgens said."About 20 percent of people have the disease and are unaware that they are infected."

Those affected by Lyme disease display flu-like symptoms that include fever, joint pain and headache.Jurgens said arthritic-like pain in the knees, which can afflict anyone at any age, is a typical symptom.

If a patient with such symptoms thinks he or she might have been exposed to the disease, he or she should ask to be tested, Jurgens said.

Prevention of tick infestation is the best defense against Lyme disease, he said.

"The most important thing is for adults to use insect repellent with deet and to spray their kids.You can put insect repellent on and still get a tick, but the tick doesn't stay around for long," Jurgens said.

The Johnson County Conservation Board also recommends wearing protective clothing to prevent tick bites.Animals also are at risk from tick infestation, and pets should be checked thoroughly for the insects.

Michael A. Jurgens, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa