PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — This is the time of year when Lyme disease can be a big problem. Lyme disease is spread by the deer tick. These tiny ticks tend to be found in wooded areas, and our environment is filled with them.
It is most common in suburban and rural areas, but deer ticks can latch on to pets and easily spread. The classic sign is a bullseye-type rash that can appear about three days after the tick bites you.The good news is that there are effective treatments — but it is important to get treatment as soon as possible.
In addition to the rash, other symptoms include muscle aches, joint pain, headache and flu-like symptoms.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.