These may last for several weeks. If left untreated, within a few weeks to months after the rash onset, complications such as meningitis, facial palsy or heart abnormalities may occur. Swelling and pain in the large joints may recur over many years. Symptoms usually begin within a month of exposure. Information available at present indicates that reinfection is possible.
Current therapy includes the use of tetracycline or penicillin.
Special precautions to prevent exposure to ticks should be used such as wearing light colored clothing and tucking pants into socks and shirts into pants. Repellents containing DEET applied to skin or clothing may prevent tick attachment. The control of rodents around the home may be helpful. If trapping mice at or near home, extreme care should be taken to dispose of carcasses with a minimum of exposure, since ticks attached to the mice might attach to the skin of the trapper. If exposed to tick-infested areas, family members should help to check body surfaces for attached ticks.