Lyme disease is an illness that can be contracted when a tick carrying the Borrellia burgdorferi bacteria bites you. Deer ticks in particular carry this disease and spread it across the United States, particularly in grassy and wooded areas. Lyme disease bite signs and symptoms vary depending on the location of the bite, however there are handful of symptoms that are more prevalent than others. In most cases, Lyme disease, when caught early, is easily treatable with antibiotics.
Rash
Approximately 70 to 80 percent of those with Lyme disease notice a red rash around the bite site that lasts anywhere from a few days to a month, according to the Mayo Clinic. The rash may feel warm and tender to the touch, and can grow in size from a few millimeters to a few inches in diameter. The rash has been described as a bull's-eye thanks to its red ring surrounding a clear area and a red center.
Flu-Like Symptoms
It is not unusual for a Lyme disease bite to be accompanied by symptoms resembling the flu--including fever, chills and fatigue. Swollen lymph nodes, body aches and a headache may accompany these symptoms. In some cases, these flu-like symptoms may be the only signs that a Lyme disease bite mark has even occurred, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Joint Pain
If gone untreated for several weeks or months, the CDC reports that about 60 percent of those infected with Lyme disease will experience joint pain and swelling, which can include bouts of arthritis. The knees and other large joints are most likely to be affected, although migratory joint pain can occur where the pain shifts from one joint to another.
Neurological Problems
The CDC reports that as many as 5 percent of untreated patients will develop neurological complaints months or even years after the bite occurs. Meningitis or a swelling of the membranes surrounding your brain and Bell's palsy, a temporary paralysis of one side of your face are examples. Impaired muscle movement along with a feeling of limb numbness and weakness can also occur. Late-stage Lyme disease can result in neurological problems like memory loss, difficulty focusing, mood shifts and changes in sleep habits.
