Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium in the United States. It transmits to humans through tick bites. Tick bites most commonly occur in the late spring, summer, and early fall months.
What are the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease?
Early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease can include a bull's-eye rash, headache, malaise, fever, muscle aches, and joint pains. Without treatment, further signs and symptoms can develop. These can include nerve pain, heart palpitations, facial palsy, arthritis, dizziness, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Receiving treatment as early as possible can help reduce the risk of serious symptoms.
Is Lyme disease contagious?
Lyme disease in humans is generally not contagious. It spreads when a tick with Lyme disease bites a person. In rare cases, Lyme disease may affect the placenta of a pregnant person and affect the fetus if they do not receive treatment for the condition.
What are the stages of Lyme disease?
There are three stages of Lyme disease: early localized, early disseminated, and late disseminated. Stage 1, or early localized Lyme disease, develops develop around 3–30 days after a tick bite. Symptoms during this stage can include a rash in 70% of cases, fever, muscle aches and pains, and malaise. Stage 2, or early disseminated Lyme disease, develops around 3–12 weeks after the initial infection. It can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, chest pain, and breathing problems. Stage 3, or late disseminated Lyme disease, can develop months or years after the initial infection. It can cause abnormal heart rhythms, aseptic meningitis, arthritis, Bell's palsy, and back pain.
