STARI

[RobNOrl]

I was given a clinical diagnosis of Lyme because of the classic bull's eye rash,  but I heard there is another illness that is known to cause this, STARI, or Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness, which has symptoms similar but not as severe as Lyme, maybe a new version of borreliosis. My fatigue, joint pains, and insomnia can get pretty bad at times though, and I've gone through 5 four to six weeks courses of antibiotics the past 2 years. Anyone know anything about STARI?

[Ricobord]

STARI is Borreliosis, or Lyme Disease.  STARI is a made up name that the CDC came up with for people who developed a rash and Lyme-like symptoms after a tick bite in the lower MidWest or South.  Because they are so adamant that Lyme Disease only exists in New England and the upper Midwest, they had to make up a name for this "other" disease.  (They've also called it "Master's Disease" after the doctor in Missouri who alerted the CDC to the many cases he was finding in his practice.)

Unfortunately, the CDC never developed tests for it, or conducted proper studies on it.  They say they don't want to put out any diagnosis or treatment recommendations for it because they don't fully understand what it is, even though they've been aware of it for decades.  It's a stunning example of how they ignore evidence, leaving patients to suffer.  To dismiss it as "mild" is insulting to the patients suffering undiagnosed and untreated.  We've seen plenty of them on this forum.

Multiple researchers have proved multiple times (including genetic sequencing of the bacteria) that STARI is Lyme Disease, but the CDC continues to ignore this evidence. It's malfeasance or malpractice (or whatever you call it when gov't health officials don't do their jobs) if you ask me.

I'm glad you got a clinical diagnosis based on a bulls eye rash. Many doctors don't know they can do that.  It sounds like you need a longer course of antibiotics, until you've been symptom free for at least 2 months.  The more often you start and stop, the harder it can be to cure.

[mojogal]

Hi and welcome.

Southern Tick Associated Rash Illness. All I know is that since it is a tick borne illness you should still find a LLMD ( Lyme literate Doc).

Like Lyme, you will need to stay on antibiotics in a row much longer than 4-6 weeks. If you had the classic bulls eye rash then I would say you have lyme.

To find an LLMD you can contact ILADS.org, a local support group or try your luck in a google search.

Please let us know if you have other questions. Be aware that the longer you wait, the worse the symptoms as you mentioned above. Staying on longer term antibiotics instead of 4-6 week courses of abx.

Good luck.