What happens if a tick that transmits Lyme disease bites you? - briefly
When an infected tick attaches and feeds, it can inject the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, producing an early rash (erythema migrans) accompanied by fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. If treatment is delayed, the infection may disseminate, affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
What happens if a tick that transmits Lyme disease bites you? - in detail
When an infected tick attaches and begins to feed, the pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi can be transferred into the skin within 24–48 hours of attachment. The bacterium travels outward from the bite site through the extracellular matrix, entering the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
The bite often produces a small, painless papule that may evolve into a characteristic erythema migrans rash. The rash typically expands over several days, reaching a diameter of 5–30 cm, and may display central clearing, forming a “bull’s‑eye” appearance. Accompanying symptoms can include mild fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches.
If untreated, the infection can disseminate. Within weeks, manifestations may involve:
- Multiple erythema migrans lesions at distant sites.
- Neurological signs such as facial nerve palsy, meningitis, or radiculopathy.
- Cardiac involvement, most commonly atrioventricular block.
- Joint inflammation, especially in large joints like the knee, presenting as migratory arthralgia or arthritis.
Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical presentation and laboratory testing. Serologic assays detect IgM antibodies during early infection and IgG antibodies in later stages. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, or skin biopsy may be employed when serology is inconclusive.
Standard treatment consists of oral doxycycline for 10–21 days in most adult cases. Intravenous ceftriaxone is reserved for severe neurological or cardiac involvement, or for patients unable to tolerate oral therapy. Early initiation of antibiotics markedly reduces the risk of chronic complications.
Follow‑up includes monitoring for resolution of the rash, normalization of laboratory markers, and assessment of any lingering musculoskeletal or neurological symptoms. Persistent symptoms after appropriate therapy may represent post‑treatment Lyme disease syndrome, requiring multidisciplinary management.
Prevention strategies focus on avoiding tick exposure, performing regular body checks after potential contact, and promptly removing attached ticks with fine‑tipped forceps, grasping close to the skin and pulling straight upward to minimize mouthpart retention.