A Dangerous Disease From a Tick Bite
A female deer tick.
(By Victoria Arocho -- Associated Press)
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Lyme disease is a bacterial illness transmitted by ticks that can lead to nervous system, heart, mental and arthritic complications.
Most cases occur in late spring and summer when ticks are most active. Although ticks often feed on deer, the animals do not become infected. Deer are nevertheless important in transporting ticks and maintaining tick populations.
After many but not all bites, a circular or oblong rash will develop. As the rash enlarges, the center clears, giving the bite area a bull's-eye appearance. Because the tick is so small, many people are not aware they have been bitten. Other symptoms: fatigue, headache, fever, muscle aches, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
