How is lime disease transmitted?

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick.

The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the primary vector of Lyme disease in the United States. Other types of ticks, such as the western blacklegged tick and the lone star tick, can also transmit Lyme disease.

Ticks acquire the Lyme disease bacteria by feeding on infected deer, birds, or other animals. When an infected tick bites a human, the bacteria can be transmitted to the person's bloodstream. This usually happens during the spring, summer, and fall months when ticks are most active.

The first symptom of Lyme disease is often a bullseye rash that appears at the site of the tick bite. The rash typically develops within 3 to 30 days after the bite. Other symptoms of Lyme disease can include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and joint pain. If the disease is not treated early, it can lead to serious complications, such as arthritis, meningitis, and heart problems.