Lyme Disease

Beware of the vampires! No, not that kind. These are hard to see and can give you Lyme disease. Ticks, especially the tiny nymphs, can attach to any part of the body. They generally need 36-48 hours to feed on your blood and can leave you with a parting gift ─ a red, expanding, rash! The rash won't hurt or itch but it can come with fatigue, chills, fever, and body aches. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. If you've been bitten by a tick, or have been in areas where ticks are common, and have an unexplained fever or rash, see your health care provider.

Key Facts

Symptoms of Lyme disease begin 3-30 days after a tick bite; average 7 days.
Of people who get Lyme disease, 70 to 80% develop a rash, called an erythema migrans.
The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can sometimes cause other diseases, too.
Only blacklegged ticks transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Prevention Tips

Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
Walk in the center of trails.
Wear repellent (20-30% DEET) or permethrin-treated clothing.
Check daily for ticks.
Take a shower soon after coming in from outdoors.
Carefully examine gear, pets, coats, and day packs. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat to kill remaining ticks.
Call your doctor if you get a fever or rash.