The ticks that transmit this disease are very small, the size of sesame seeds as adults, and in approximately 30 percent of the confirmed cases, no tick bites can be documented. Symptoms include a bull's-eye rash in about 70 percent of human patients, malaise, fatigue, joint pains, neurological signs, cardiac abnormalities, and arthritis. Patients develop antibody titers to the disease, but a single test is difficult to interpret. Rising titers with clinical signs indicate infection and should be treated with systemic antibiotics for 10 days or longer. Both the veterinarian and family physician should be notified if either a member of the family or a pet develops symptoms after visiting an area where ticks may live.
Most patients recover if they receive prompt treatment.
A small percentage of cases require prolonged treatment for recovery, or fail to respond. With a few simple precautions, people and pets should be able to enjoy outside activities and be protected against tick-borne diseases. Use a good tick repellent before participating in outside activities. If possible, avoid areas with heavy brush, low-hanging tree limbs or long grass. After returning home, remove all clothing worn outside and launder in hot water and soap.