Lyme disease can be contracted by toddlers through infected ticks that attach to their skin. The disease is not spread from one person to another. A toddler who spends a lot of time in wooded or grassy areas could pick up a tick in his clothing or on his body. The Arizona Children's Hospital indicates that Lyme disease has been reported in 49 U.S. states, with most cases occurring in the coastal Northeast, mid-Atlantic states, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northern California. Symptoms of Lyme disease are generally the same in toddlers as they are in adults.
Rash
Several days after exposure to the bacteria from an infected tick, a toddler may develop a rash, though not always. Kidshealth.org describes the rash as pink in the center with a deeper red coloration on the surrounding skin, similar to a "bulls eye" marking. The rash can last for a few hours or several weeks. The Arizona Children's Hospital explains that the size ranges from very small to nearly 12 inches across. The rash might appear like a bruise on darker skin tones. A Lyme disease rash can be mistaken for hives, eczema, sunburn or other bug bites. Toddler's may or may not report itching at the site of the rash. It is possible for it to disappear and return after a while.
Flu-like Symptoms
The bacterial infection from the tick can lead to flu-like symptoms. These include headache, swollen glands, sore throat, reduced appetite, fatigue, neck stiffness, muscle aches and pains, joint pain or a fever with chills.
Other Symptoms
Several months after contracting Lyme disease, a toddler might experience pain and swelling in the joints. The Arizona Children's Hospital reports other possible symptoms including coordination problems, weakness, severe fatigue, eye problems, skin disorders, heart problems and neurological changes. Potential heart problems include chest pain and irregular heart beat, according to Kidshealth.org,. Specific neurological issues can include facial paralysis and/or tingling or numbness in the arms and legs.
