10 Lyme Disease Symptoms

By dr. okoye

Reviewed: Dr. Mera

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Lyme disease is an infectious disease which is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks (Ixodes genus) with the bacteria Borrelia Burgdorferi. In most cases, in order for the bacteria to spread, the tick must be attached anywhere from around 36 to 48 hours. Lyme disease is most usual to develop during the hot spring and summer days. Transmission of Lyme disease is most common during hot springs and summer days (from May to November) and in specific geographical areas (i.e. Northeast of United States).

It has been estimated that the disease is more common among children between ages 5 and 10 and adults between the ages of 25 and 45. Furthermore, a major risk factor for Lyme disease is spending time outdoors, in wooded, bushy or grassy habitats without adequate protection. Lyme disease is considered to be a serious public health problem in the United States. Approximately 30,000 new cases are reported each year to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States.

Symptom #1: Skin Rash

Skin rash is perhaps the most obvious symptom of the Lyme disease. The distinct look of the so-called “bull’s eye” of Erythema migrans (EM) is the first symptom that makes any doctor suspect that it is, in fact, Lyme disease that they are looking at.

Erythema migrans develops at over 70% of the patients, in most cases, within the first 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. The rash develops in the area of the tick bite, with characteristic redness being present. However, no pain or itchiness ever develops. Warmth might also develop. Later, additional skin rash might develop as well.