Symptoms

Early symptoms include an expanding rash (> 2 inches) which resembles a bullseye, occurring first at the site of the bite and may occur elsewhere on the body. Symptoms such as fever, malaise, fatigue, headache, stiff neck or muscle aches may be present. Later symptoms can affect the joints, nervous system, and heart.

Incubation Period

7-14 days, from the time a person is exposed until early symptoms develop

Mode of Transmission & Communicability

The Lyme disease bacteria is spread through the bite of an infected deer tick. The tick must be attached and feeding for at least one or two days before transmission can occur. Not all deer ticks carry the bacteria. Lyme disease is not contagious.

School Action

1. Check tick is removed. The deer tick is brown and red in color and slightly smaller than a sesame seed. They are 1/2 the size of a wood tick.

2. Refer for medical evaluation and treatment if symptoms of Lyme disease are present.

3. Report to the local health department (required by law).