What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a sickness caused by bacteria that are spread by infected deer ticks (deer ticks that have the bacteria that causes Lyme disease).

Where is Lyme disease found?

Lyme disease is found along the East Coast, the upper Midwest and the valleys of the West Coast.  Some people who live in Ohio have gotten Lyme disease when they traveled to these areas.

How is Lyme disease spread?

Infected deer ticks spread Lyme disease.  Ticks live in moist, shaded woods, low-growing brush, dense weeds/grasses, or piles of leaves.  Ticks do not jump or fly.  You pick them up on your clothes, skin or hair just by brushing against a leaf or blade of grass where they are sitting.  Not all deer ticks are infected.  Ticks can become infected if they feed on animals that are infected.  The bacteria can be spread when an infected tick bites a person or animal and stays attached for at least 48 hours.

Deer ticks are found in the spring, summer and fall.  They are most active in June and July.  People can be exposed when they spend time in areas where ticks are found. 

Can I get Lyme disease from another person?

Lyme disease is not spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Early symptoms of Lyme disease usually happen three to 30 days after a tick bite.  The most common symptom is a rash at the area of the bite.  The rash starts as a small red area that spreads and looks like a bull’s eye.  Fever, headache, stiff neck, sore and aching muscles and joints are also common.  It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have these symptoms and have been in areas where ticks may live.

These symptoms may go away by themselves in a few weeks, but the person will still be infected.  Without medical treatment, a rash may come back in other places on the body.

Later symptoms can affect the joints, nervous system and heart.  These symptoms happen weeks or months after a tick bite.  Most people with untreated Lyme disease get arthritis in their large joints.  Swelling and large joint pain can come back over many years. Other problems include meningitis (swelling of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), drooping on one side of the face (Bell’s Palsy), heart problems and weakness or pain in the hands, arms, feet and legs. 

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?

Lyme disease can be easy to spot by a doctor when a person has the bull’s eye rash.  It is more difficult without the rash, since the other symptoms are like the flu.  A doctor may order a blood test, but this test is only good four weeks after the person has had the infection.

How is Lyme disease treated?

Antibiotics are given for three to four weeks to treat Lyme disease in its early stages.  The longer you wait to be treated for Lyme disease, the less of a chance there is for a full cure of the disease.  If you wait to treat Lyme disease, you may need antibiotics that are given by vein. 

Can I die from Lyme disease?

You are not likely to die of Lyme disease, but it can have lasting painful effects.

How can I prevent Lyme disease?

• Avoid areas where ticks live, especially in May, June and July.
• Wear light-colored, tightly woven clothes to spot ticks more easily.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and enclosed shoes to have less skin exposed to ticks.
• Use insect repellents according to label instructions.
• Stay on cleared, well-traveled trails.  Avoid brushing against plants.
• Avoid sitting directly on the ground or stone walls.
• Keep long hair tied back, especially when gardening.
• Do tick checks after being outside.  Check the whole body (parents should check children) and remove any ticks as soon as possible.
• Remember to check your pets.  Pets can bring ticks indoors and put your family at risk.