How to Recognize Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Each year close to 20,000 people in the United States contract Lyme disease, with the majority of the cases occurring in the Northeastern states. The disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans via the bite from an infected black-legged tick. Treatment involves a cycle of antibiotics that cure most patients as long as they are administered in the early symptom stages of the disease. Read on to learn how to recognize symptoms of lyme disease.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for red circular rashes known as erythema migrans appearing three to 30 days after the tick bite. This is usually the first symptom of a Lyme disease infection. The rash often has a clear center giving it the appearance of a "bull's-eye" but not in every case. During the first few weeks, the rash will expand to eight inches or more in diameter and may be warm to the touch.

• 2

  Look for flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headaches, body aches and swollen lymph nodes.

• 3

  Note any development of painful arthritis or joint aches sometimes resulting in severe swelling of one or both knees.

• 4

  Be aware of more serious symptoms such as minor paralysis of the face, severe headaches, irregular heartbeat, chest pains, dizziness and psychological changes.