Symptoms of Lyme Disease

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Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

  • An expanding circular rash called erythema migrans (may look like a red bulls-eye at the site of the tick bite)
  • Fever
  • Joint and muscle pains
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Any worker who has symptoms consistent with Lyme disease should contact his or her health care provider.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms and the possibility that the worker has been exposed to infected ticks.

Most cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics, especially if treatment is started early. However, some workers may have symptoms such as arthritis, muscle and joint pain, or fatigue for an extended period of time.

Prevention and early diagnosis of Lyme disease are important in pregnant workers. Lyme disease acquired during pregnancy may lead to infection of the placenta and possible stillbirth. However, no negative effects on the fetus have been found when the mother receives appropriate antibiotic treatment. There are no reports of Lyme disease transmission from breast milk.

CDC Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment

CDC Fact Sheet for pregnant womenpdf icon

CDC Fact Sheet for pregnant womenpdf icon – En Español

Page last reviewed: August 3, 2017