What Is It?

 

Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks and caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi)

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Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease

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Early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease may include:
•    skin rash (erythema migrans*)
•    fever
•    chills
•    fatigue
•    headaches
•    swollen lymph nodes
•    muscle and joint pain

*Erythema migrans is a rash that usually begins at the site of the tick bite. This rash slowly spreads over several days to reach more than 5 cm in diameter.

Late symptoms of Lyme disease may appear days or months after being bitten by an infected tick. Symptoms may include:
•    more rashes
•    dizziness
•    severe headaches
•    migratory pain
•    arthritis
•    symptoms affecting memory and thinking

 

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Causes 

 

Lyme disease is spread by the bite of an infected black-legged tick.
In most cases, infected ticks must remain attached for at least 24 hours to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
You may not notice a tick bite, as ticks are tiny and their bites usually do not cause pain.

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Possible Tests

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Diagnosing Lyme disease remains a significant challenge, as no serological test to date offers absolute reliability.

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Treatment

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If you are diagnosed with early-stage Lyme disease, you will need to take an antibiotic. 

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Prevention

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• After spending time outdoors, check yourself for tick bites.

• Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to your skin and clothing.

• Wear light-colored pants and a long-sleeved shirt so you can spot ticks more easily.

• Tuck your shirt into your pants and pull your socks over the legs of your pants.

• Take a shower as soon as possible after spending time outdoors.

• Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for ten minutes. If the clothes are wet, they may need to stay in the dryer longer.

• Check your outdoor gear and pets for ticks.

• Treat pets that are frequently exposed to ticks with oral or topical tick control products (as recommended by your veterinarian).

 

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When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

 

Seek immediate medical attention within 72 hours of removing the tick if:

• The tick remained attached to the skin for 24 hours or more.

• The time between tick removal and the onset of PPE does not exceed 72 hours

 

If you experience any of the following symptoms after a tick bite:

• skin rash;

• headache;

• fever;

• muscle and joint pain;

• spasms;

• weakness, numbness, or tingling;

• general feeling of malaise.