Resources

Essential Lyme materials and guides
Stay informed and protected

Understanding Lyme Disease

Learn about the basics of Lyme disease, its symptoms, and how it spreads.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). It's the most common vector-borne disease in the United States, with approximately 476,000 cases diagnosed annually.

How Lyme Disease Spreads

The disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. These ticks become infected by feeding on animals that carry the bacteria, such as white-footed mice, deer, and other small mammals. When an infected tick bites a human, it can transmit the bacteria into the bloodstream.

Early Symptoms (3-30 days after tick bite)

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. The most common early symptoms include:

  • Erythema migrans (EM) rash - Often appears as a "bull's-eye" pattern, expanding from the bite site
  • Fever and chills - May be accompanied by sweating
  • Fatigue - Unusual tiredness that doesn't improve with rest
  • Headache - Often severe and persistent
  • Muscle and joint aches - Particularly in the neck, back, and limbs
  • Swollen lymph nodes - Near the site of the tick bite

Important Note

Not everyone with Lyme disease develops the characteristic rash. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms without any visible rash, making early diagnosis challenging.

Later Symptoms (if left untreated)

Without proper treatment, Lyme disease can progress and cause more serious complications:

Neurological Symptoms

  • Severe headaches and neck stiffness
  • Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face)
  • Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling
  • Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones
  • Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  • Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath

Long-term Complications

In rare cases, untreated Lyme disease can lead to chronic symptoms affecting the nervous system, joints, and heart. This is why early detection and treatment are so important.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase your risk of contracting Lyme disease:

  • Geographic location - Higher risk in the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central United States
  • Outdoor activities - Hiking, camping, gardening, or working outdoors
  • Time of year - Peak risk during spring and summer months
  • Exposure to wooded areas - Particularly areas with high grass and leaf litter

Prevention Tip

The best defense against Lyme disease is prevention. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.

2 of 5