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Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that causes signs and symptoms ranging from rash and flu-like fever and body aches to more serious ones including joint swelling, weakness, fatigue and temporary paralysis. Lyme disease is a disease transmitted by ticks that causes signs and symptoms ranging from rash and flu, fever and pain more seriously, including swelling, weakness, fatigue and temporary paralysis. Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Borrelia burgdorferi is the leading cause of Lyme disease in the United States and Borrelia afzelii Borrelia garinii and Europe.

Symptoms

One sure sign of Lyme disease is a round, red rash that spreads at the site of a tick bite. This rash can get very large.

Flu-like symptoms are also very common. People in the early stages of Lyme disease may feel very tired and have headaches, sore muscles and joints, and a fever

In a few people, early Lyme disease can spread to the heart or the nervous system. Symptoms most often occur from May through September because the nymphal stage of the tick is responsible for most cases. Ticks attach easily to bare flesh. If you're in an area where ticks are common, protect yourself and your children by wearing long sleeves and long pants. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. Measures to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly, landscaping, and integrated pest management.

Treatment

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. Early Lyme disease responds very well to treatment. In most cases, 14 to 30 days of treatment with an antibiotic kills the bacteria. Your doctor will tell you how many days to take the antibiotic. It's important for you to take all the medicine your doctor prescribes to prevent the spread of Lyme disease to your joints, nervous system or heart.

Prevention

Ticks frequently live in shady, moist ground cover and also cling to tall grass, brush, shrubs, and low tree branches. Lawns and gardens may harbor ticks, especially at the edges of woods and forests and around old stone walls (areas where deer and mice, the primary hosts of the deer tick, thrive). Wear closed shoes and boots, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck pants into boots or shoes to prevent ticks to explore his legs. Keep long hair pulled back or placed in a cap for added protection. Wash all clothing after leaving areas infested with ticks and swimming and shampoo your child thoroughly to remove any hidden ticks. Keep long hair pulled back or placed in a cap for added protection.