Lyme disease is a tickborne disease that can affect humans and dogs. It’s transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick.
Lyme disease cannot be transmitted by a human or dog, according to the CCCHD.
While there are not vaccinations for Lyme disease, most cases can be treated with oral antibiotics.
Ticks must be attached for at least 24 hours to transmit Lyme disease, according to the CCCHD.
Early symptoms include a circular, red rash around or near the tick bite. Fever, headache, fatigue and arthritis are other symptoms, according to the CCCHD.
Anyone with a tick bite experiencing Lyme disease symptoms should seek medical attention. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the body within a few days to weeks, according to the CCCHD.
The best way to prevent tickborne diseases and illnesses is to avoid tick bites.
The CCCHD suggested the following tips:
- Avoid areas where ticks live (wooded and brushy areas, high grass)
- Use EPA-registered tick repellents
- Wear hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants (tuck in shirts and pant legs) to keep ticks off the body
- Check your entire body for ticks
- Remove ticks as soon as possible
- Watch for symptoms after a confirmed bite
The blacklegged tick can also transmit anaplasmosis and babesiosis.
For more information on Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses, visit www.ccchd.com.
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