Symptoms

• Lyme disease can cause a bumpy rash that is accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Joint pain and neurological problems may also occur.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Bare skin and staying outside for extended periods of time, particularly in grassy or wooded areas, increases the chance of infected tick bites.
  
  

Treatment

• Lyme disease is most often treated with oral antibiotics that rid the body of infection within a few weeks.
  
  

Prevention

• Ticks prefer to live in brush; try to tick-proof your yard by keeping it clear of debris. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts to protect bare skin. Use insect repellents and check children, pets and yourself for ticks after being outdoors.
  
  

Warning

• A tick must stay attached for at least 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. Removing the tick as soon as possible can reduce the chance of infection.