A couple posts ago we saw the proper way to remove a tick after a tick bite, as a means of preventing tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Pictured here is erythema migrans, a bulls-eye rash known to be the first sign of Lyme disease. . Lyme disease is caused by transfer of bacteria (B. burgdorferi) into the bloodstream during a tick-bite, and is the most common tick-borne illness. Erythema migrans is its earliest clinical sign, occurring within a couple weeks at the site of a tick bite. Seeing this rash after travel to an endemic area does merit physician evaluation for antibiotics, as the next signs of Lyme disease can be much more serious: meningitis, heart block, and arthritis. . It's important to note that only 80% of those with Lyme disease will have erythema migrans, and many don't even recall having a tick bite... So preventing tick bites to begin with is key 🔑. The tick that transmits Lyme disease is most prevalent in northeastern US (outside the US, we think of Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia), but really can be found anywhere. Within endemic regions, we know ticks to live in bushy and wooded areas (think: off the beaten path on hiking trails). And last, we know wearing long-sleeved clothing can protect us from bites. I lovee hiking like the next guy, but if hiking though an area like Vermont, I'd wear long sleeves and stay ON the trail, away from those pesky ticks 👊 📸: CDC Public Health Image Library
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