In the northeast and upper mid-west the adults may be active any time the temperature is over 35 to 40 F., even with snow on the ground. Recognizing the Symptoms Lyme disease can be mild and early symptoms can easily overlooked. The first symptom is usually a rash called erythema migrans which occurs in 60 percent to 80 percent of all Lyme disease cases. Flu-like symptoms, chills, fever, and fatigue, are often experienced, but they may not seem serious enough to require medical attention. More than one rash may appear and may not always occur at the site of the tick bite.
Rashes occur anywhere on the body.
The red patches may be warm, but they are generally not painful and usually do not itch. Erythema migrans appearing on patients with dark skin or a suntan may be more difficult to identify because of decreased contrast between pigmented skin and the lesion. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more common on dark-skinned patients. The more severe symptoms of Lyme disease may appear weeks, months, or even years after a tick bite. These may include severe headaches, arthritis, and nervous system or cardiac abnormalities.