Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans by a bite from an infected black-legged or deer tick. The tick becomes infected after feeding on infected deer, birds, or mice. Infected ticks thrive in forested areas. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical findings (e.g., rash). Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans (a flat, circular rash that looks like a red oval or bull’s-eye anywhere on your body). Symptoms can occur anywhere from 3 to 30 days after the bite and can be wide-ranging, depending on the stage of the infection. The chances a person might get Lyme disease from a tick bite depend on the kind of tick, where the person was when the bite occurred, and how long the tick was attached to the person. Black-legged ticks must be attached for 36 to 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease. If the tick or ticks are removed within 48 hours, a person isn’t likely to get infected. If you would like to find out more and receive a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and treatment, please contact us at secondopinions.com, for your peace of mind.