If treated with antibiotics, it does not progress from one stage to the next. Stage I occurs 3 to 32 days after the tick bite. Note the rash should be at least 2 inches across. The rash is neither painful nor itchy. It lasts 2 weeks to 2 months.
Many children also develop smaller spots of rash at several locations.
Some children also develop a flu-like illness including fever, chills, sore throat, and headache that lasts for several days. Stage II occurs 2 to 12 weeks after the tick bite. Stage III occurs 6 weeks to 2 years after the tick bite. Often these people have had no stage II symptoms. It usually affects the knees.