Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, applying pesticides, and reducing tick habitat. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease can occasionally transmit other tickborne diseases as well.
Patient Information
Transmission
How ticks spread Lyme disease...
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of illness...
Diagnosis and Treatment
What to expect from your physician...
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome
When symptoms persist after treatment...
For Healthcare Professionals
Clinicians, public health officials, and veterinarians...
General Lyme Topics
Prevention
Avoid getting infected...
Tick Removal
How to remove a tick...
Communications Tool Kit
Resources for spreading the message...
Statistics
Incidence, geography, seasonality and more...
Additional Resources
Links to clinical trials, key research articles, PubMed search, and more...
Lyme Disease FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
and Hot Topics
All about Lyme disease...
Test your Lyme disease knowledge
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- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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