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What is Lyme Disease?

Overview

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (also known as a deer tick).

Symptoms

Lyme disease typically begins with a bullseye rash at the site of the tick bite, which appears within 3 to 30 days after infection. Other early symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.

If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more serious symptoms, such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; heart problems; and neurological issues.

Treatment

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, which are most effective when taken early in the course of the infection. Treatment can prevent or minimize the development of more serious symptoms.

Prevention

Preventing Lyme disease involves taking precautions to avoid tick bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.