An epidemic is defined by something affecting a large number of the population in a localized area over a short or instant period of time. I don't think Lyme disease counts. In the context off disease it typically refers to something transmissible like the flu or staph.

It's not uncommon for the symptoms of Lyme Disease to remain long after the bacteria have been killed by antibiotics. Though that usually takes longer than weeks which is what the article you linked seems to imply.

There's also at least one study which shows long term antibiotic treatment for people with chronic Lyme disease is not any more effective than placebo.

Overall it seems to be a pretty controversial topic based on what I've seen and heard from people who've had it.

It's pretty easy to prevent so I don't put much notice in stuff like that. Wear a hat, long sleeves and pants. If the tick is removed within 36 hours the risk of infection is almost zero.