Early Signs and Symptoms (3-30 Days After Tick Bite)
Fever
Chills
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle and joint aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Erythema migrans (EM) rash
Occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected persons at the site of tick bite
Flat, red rash that expands gradually over several days, reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) or more across
May feel warm to the touch but is rarely itchy or painful
Sometimes clears as it enlarges, resulting in a target or bull’s-eye appearance
Later Signs and Symptoms (days to months after tick bite)
Severe headaches and neck stiffness
Additional EM rashes on other areas of the body
Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)
Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and other large joints
Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones
Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis)
Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Nerve pain
Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
CDC Tick Bite Bot
Need help removing a tick or determining whether you need health care? The CDC Tick Bite Bot will ask you a series of questions to help you make the right choice!
