Lyme disease is transmitted via bites from deer ticks, which are found in wooded areas, high grasses, marshes, gardens and beach areas. Illness begins with a circular rash at the site of the tick bite. The rash may be joined later by flu-like symptoms. If untreated, symptoms can worsen and lead to heart palpitations, visual disturbances, dizziness and facial paralysis.
Treatment is effective in curing the disease.
The AAP encourages children, as well as adults, to avoid tick-infested areas. If it is not possible to avoid these areas, people should wear protective clothing and insect repellents, and check their skin frequently for ticks. The AAP discourages the practice of routinely prescribing antibiotics for people who have received a tick bite in an effort to prevent the illness. Routine antibiotics in this situation can be costly, have potential side effects and lead to infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Another common practice, that of doing a blood test for Lyme disease immediately after a person receives a tick bite, should also be discouraged.