The rash appears mostly on the thighs, groin, trunk and armpits, and on the faces of children. Approximately 70 percent of the people who contract Lyme disease develop a large red patch. As the patch enlarges, the center may clear, giving a ring-like appearance. It may be warm, but isn't usually painful. However, researchers said, some people never develop a rash.
People can pick up ticks during walks in parks or the woods, or while hiking and camping.
Children are especially susceptible because they run around in tall grass, play in wooded areas and roll on the ground, researchers noted. The individual risk of getting Lyme disease is reasonably small, however, personnel who may be in contact with ticks are advised to take precautions. A high percentage of the deer ticks tested at Fort McCoy were positive for Lyme disease. Experts said removing ticks from the body quickly may prevent a person from contracting Lyme disease. Ticks generally must feed on a person for 24 to 48 hours before the person becomes infected.