Lyme disease

Early symptoms after a tick bite (3 to 30 days) include fever, muscle pain, joint pain, headache and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans.  The rash occurs in most infected persons and can appear on any area of the body.  The rash begins at the site of the tick bite slowly increases in size over a period of days.  The rash usually is painless and does not itch.  Sometimes the rash clears as it enlarges resulting in a target or “bull’s-eye” appearance.

If untreated, other symptoms can develop days to months after the tick bite.  These include additional skin rashes, heart problems, nervous system disorders, and arthritis.

Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Infected blacklegged ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours in order to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on a physician’s assessment of a patient’s clinical symptoms and risk of exposure to blacklegged ticks which carry Borrelia bacteria.  Laboratory blood tests are helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods. 

New Brunswick follows Canadian national testing guidelines for Lyme disease and recommends a two-tiered testing method.  Together the two tests offer more accurate results and currently is the best laboratory method available for supplementing clinical information on Lyme disease.

Although it is possible to be bitten by an infected tick anywhere in New Brunswick, the risk is highest in areas where tick populations are established or emerging It is important to prevent tick bite and find and remove ticks from your body.

The best way to protect yourself from Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Be Tick Smart and find out where infected ticks are most likely to be found.  Protect yourself against tick bites, check for ticks after coming indoors, remove ticks safely, and act if you have symptoms of tick-borne diseases.

The treatment of Lyme disease is with appropriate antibiotics.  Treatment in the early stages of Lyme disease almost always results in full recovery.  Patients diagnosed in the later stages of the disease can have persistent or recurring symptoms and may require a longer course of treatment.

Health care providers and laboratories must notify cases to Public Health. Public Health staff may interview the health care provider and patient (or caregivers) to find out how the infection occurred and provide advice as necessary.

For additional information, please contact your health-care provider, local Public Health office or Tele-Care 811.