Lyme Disease

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia bacteria transmitted through tick bites, is prevalent in the upper Midwest, northeastern, and mid-Atlantic US, as well as Europe and parts of Canada.

Symptoms progress in stages:

1. Early Symptoms: Rash, fever, headache, fatigue, joint/muscle stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes may appear 3 to 30 days post-bite.

2. Advanced Symptoms: Within 3 to 10 weeks, symptoms can worsen, including multiple rashes, neck stiffness, facial muscle weakness, heart irregularities, leg pain, numbness, eye swelling, and vision issues.

3. Late-stage Symptoms: Arthritis, especially in the knees, may develop 2 to 12 months later. In Europe, a skin condition called acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans may occur, months to years post-bite.

Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms arise after potential exposure to ticks.