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.
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Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease
Signs and symptoms of illness... -
Treatment
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics... -
Diagnosis and Testing
Recommended tests... -
Data and Statistics
How many people get Lyme disease? -
Preventing Tick Bites
Avoid getting infected... -
Transmission
How ticks spread Lyme disease...
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Tick removal and testing
How to remove a tick... -
Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome
If symptoms persist after treatment... -
Health Care Providers
Clinical care information, CME links, and references... -
Educational Materials
Brochures, fact sheets, trail signs, and more... -
Lyme Disease Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
All about Lyme disease...
Helpful Links
- Video: Feeling Worse After Treatment? Maybe It’s Not Lyme Disease
- Tickborne Diseases of the United States: A Reference Manual for Health Care Providers, Third Edition: Electronic app (Download it free today for iOS and Android devices) and PDF for printing {PDF - 21 pages].
- Lyme disease stories
- Video: CDC Public Health Grand Rounds, Lyme Disease: Challenges and Innovations, May 19, 2011
- Free CME online course. Case Study Course on Lyme Disease.
- Travel information
- Lyme Disease––Workplace Safety and Health
HHS Special Webinars on Lyme and Tickborne Diseases
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- Page last reviewed: March 4, 2015
- Page last updated: August 19, 2016
- Content source: