Lyme disease is the most common disease spread by insects in the United States. Peak activity is reported from April through July. Ticks must remain attached to the skin for at least 24 to 48 hours in order to transmit the infection. Lyme disease is not contagious and can not be transmitted from infected people or animals. However, not all cases are symptomatic.
Untreated infection can cause symptoms that occur months or years after the initial exposure.
These late manifestations of Lyme disease include arthritis and neurological symptoms that may mimic other diseases. At any stage, the disease can usually be treated successfully with antibiotics. Measures to prevent infection include avoiding tick habitats, use of protective clothing, applying tick repellents, and frequently checking for and promptly removing any attached ticks. Vaccination is indicated for persons aged 15-70 years with frequent or prolonged exposure to ticks in geographically infected areas. For individuals with only brief or occasional exposure to areas where Lyme disease occurs, the benefits of vaccination compared to early diagnosis and treatment are not clear.