Lyme Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Lyme disease affects people of all ages, but it is most common in people aged 25 to 65.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The early stage of Lyme disease, known as the localized stage, typically occurs 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. Symptoms include:

• A bull's-eye rash at the site of the tick bite (80% of cases)
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue

If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to the disseminated stage, which can affect multiple organs and systems in the body. Symptoms of this stage may include:

• Additional bull's-eye rashes at multiple sites
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Joint pain and swelling (Lyme arthritis)
• Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
• Heart problems (Lyme carditis)
• Neurological problems (meningitis, encephalitis)

Treatment for Lyme Disease

Lyme disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and the duration of treatment depend on the stage and severity of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious complications.

Prevention of Lyme Disease

To reduce your risk of Lyme disease:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas
• Use insect repellent containing DEET
• Check yourself and your pets for ticks after being outdoors
• Remove ticks promptly and properly

If you develop a bull's-eye rash or other symptoms of Lyme disease, seek medical attention promptly.