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Signs & Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Kids

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness which affects people who live or spend time in wooded areas. Ticks are tiny insects which bite and attach themselves to the skin. In most cases Lyme disease can be prevented by removing ticks before they become engorged.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that Lyme disease is the number one insect-borne illness in the United States. In 2008 the CDC reported over 25,000 confirmed cases of Lyme disease and about 10,000 more probable cases. Children may be more prone to Lyme disease due to the amount of time they spend outside.

  1. Circular Rash

    • According to the CDC, the first sign of Lyme disease in children is usually a circular rash. The rash begins at the site of the tick bite and gradually grows larger over several days. The circular rash can reach up to 12 inches in diameter; the center of the rash may clear up as it gets larger, leaving a red ring around the tick bite. The American Lyme Disease Foundation says the rash may appear about one or two weeks after the infection starts and lasts for about three to five weeks. The CDC says about 20 percent of people who have Lyme disease never present with this rash. Some patients may develop additional rashes on other parts of their body.

    Flu-like Symptoms

    • According to Kids Health, children may also develop flu-like symptoms with the rash. These symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. The American Lyme Disease Foundation also says children infected with Lyme disease may experience chills and fever.

    Muscle and Joint Problems

    • If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread throughout the body, causing serious problems after a few weeks. The CDC reports that common symptoms several weeks after infection include loss of muscle tone in the face, facial paralysis, severe headaches, a stiff neck, and shooting pains which keep children up at night. Lyme disease can also cause arthritis-like pain which moves from joint to joint. Large joints are the ones most often affected by Lyme disease.

    Serious Problems

    • According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, children with Lyme disease may also suffer neurological problems, heart problems, eye problems, hepatitis and problems with coordination. Kids Health reports that heart problems from Lyme disease include irregular heart rhythm or chest pain.

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