Erythema chronicum migrans refers to the distinctive skin rash that develops in the early stages of Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by ticks.  The rash is often described as a “bull’s eye” because it appears as a small red patch surrounded by a ring of normal skin which is further surrounded by an expanding red ring. This rash usually appears about 7-10 days after the tick bite and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms. If treated early, erythema chronicum migrans and other symptoms of lyme disease usually resolve; however, if left untreated, arthritis and neurological complications can occur.  Lyme disease is very rare in Mississippi unless you have traveled outside of the state to an endemic area (the Northeast and upper Midwest tick areas)