Lyme Disease

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi).
It spreads through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also called a deer tick.
- These ticks get the bacteria from white-footed mice when they feed.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in Virginia.
Anyone can get Lyme disease, but it’s most common in:
- Children under 16
- Adults over 30
People who spend time outdoors—especially near forests—are more likely to get bitten by ticks.
Lyme disease spreads mostly in May and June, but ticks are active all year.

Lyme disease only spreads through tick bites. It does not spread between people.
The tick must stay attached for at least 30 hours to spread the bacteria.
Tiny nymph-stage ticks are the most likely to spread Lyme disease because they are hard to see.

Most people (75% or more) get a bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans) near the bite.

Bull's-eye rash:

Other symptoms include:

If Lyme disease isn't treated, it can cause:

Is There a Treatment for Lyme Disease?

Doctors diagnose Lyme disease based on symptoms, but blood tests can help confirm it.
Early tests may not always detect the bacteria, so re-testing might be needed.
Antibiotics like doxycycline can cure Lyme disease if treated early.

How Can you Prevent Lyme Disease?

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to avoid tick bites and remove ticks quickly.
Read our webpage on Ticks for more information.