The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has documented more than 40,000 cases since 1982. It is transmitted to humans and pets by the bite of an infected tick, known as deer tick, which resides in wooded areas inhabited by deer and mice. Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms mimic those of other diseases. However, there are several diagnostic tests which assist in detecting Lyme disease antibodies. Common symptoms of this disease during early infection include a rash that resembles a bull's eye, fatigue, fever and headaches.
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms.
Contact your physician immediately if you unable to detach a tick from your skin or if you develop flu-like symptoms or rashes following a tick bite. To reduce chances of infection, avoid tick-infested areas such as tall grass, woods and bushes, when hiking, camping, or visiting parks and rural areas. And don't forget to alert your children who may play in tick-infested areas. As a further safeguard, apply repellents that contain DEET directly on the skin and clothing. Most importantly, examine your body, at least twice daily to check for tiny ticks and possible bites.