Lyme disease comes from tick bites, not from other people

Lyme disease spreads through the bite of an infected tick, most commonly the deer tick (also called the black-legged tick). You cannot catch Lyme disease from another person, from animals, or from food. The only way to get it is if an infected tick bites you and stays attached long enough to pass the bacteria into your bloodstream.

The bacteria that causes Lyme disease is called Borrelia burgdorferi. When a tick carries this bacteria and bites you, the bacteria can enter your body through the bite wound. The longer the tick stays attached, the higher the risk that bacteria will transfer to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Lyme disease spreads only through bites from infected deer ticks, not through contact with people or animals.
  • A tick must stay attached to your skin for at least 24 to 48 hours to transmit Lyme disease bacteria.
  • Deer ticks are most active in spring, summer, and early fall, and they live in wooded areas, tall grass, and brush.
  • Removing a tick promptly and correctly within the first day or two after it attaches can prevent infection.
  • Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease bacteria, and not every bite from an infected tick results in infection.

Where deer ticks live and when they are most active

Deer ticks live outdoors in wooded areas, tall grass, shrubs, and leaf litter. They do not live in your home or on your pets in the way that other parasites do. Instead, they wait on vegetation for a host to brush past them, then they climb onto your skin or clothing.

Ticks are most active from April through October, with peak activity in May and June. However, they can bite during any month when temperatures stay above freezing. In warmer climates, ticks may be active year-round. If you spend time outdoors in these seasons—hiking, camping, gardening, or walking through wooded or grassy areas—you have a higher chance of encountering a tick.

How long a tick must stay attached to transmit Lyme disease

Research shows that a tick typically needs to stay attached for 24 to 48 hours before it transmits Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. This means that if you find and remove a tick within the first day, your risk of infection is very low. The longer the tick remains attached, the greater the risk.

Many people do not notice a tick bite right away because tick saliva contains a numbing agent. A tick may be attached for hours or even days before you see it. This is why regular tick checks are important if you have been in areas where ticks live.

Why not all tick bites lead to Lyme disease

Not every deer tick carries the Lyme disease bacteria. The percentage of ticks that are infected varies by region. In some areas, fewer than 5 percent of deer ticks carry the bacteria; in others, the rate is much higher. You can only get Lyme disease if you are bitten by a tick that actually carries the bacteria.

Even when an infected tick bites you, infection is not may provide. The risk increases with the length of time the tick is attached, but some people bitten by infected ticks do not develop the disease. This does not mean you are immune—it means the bacteria did not establish an infection in that particular instance.

What happens after a tick bite

If an infected tick transmits bacteria to you, symptoms usually appear 3 to 30 days after the bite. The first sign is often a rash called erythema migrans, which typically appears at the bite site and expands outward in a circular or oval shape. Some people describe it as looking like a bull's-eye, though not all rashes have that pattern.

Other early symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and headache. These symptoms can resemble the flu. If Lyme disease is not treated, the bacteria can spread to other parts of your body and cause more serious problems weeks or months later, including joint pain, heart problems, and nervous system issues.

How to remove a tick correctly

If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as you can, then pull straight upward with steady pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your skin.

After removal, clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Do not crush the tick with your bare fingers. You can place it in a sealed bag or container, flush it down the toilet, or wrap it in tape. Some people save the tick in case they develop symptoms later and want to have it tested, though this is not necessary for diagnosis.

Reducing your risk of tick bites

If you spend time outdoors in areas where ticks live, you can lower your risk by wearing long sleeves and long pants, tucking your pants into your socks, and wearing light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin on your skin and clothing, following the product instructions.

After being outdoors, check your entire body for ticks, including your scalp, behind your ears, armpits, groin, and between your toes. Shower within a few hours of coming indoors, and wash your clothes in hot water. Removing ticks within 24 hours of attachment greatly reduces your risk of infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get Lyme disease from a tick that is not attached to your skin?

No. A tick must bite you and stay attached to transmit the bacteria. A tick crawling on your skin or clothing without biting cannot give you Lyme disease. This is why finding and removing ticks promptly is so important.

Can pets bring infected ticks into your home and give you Lyme disease?

Pets can carry ticks into your home, and those ticks could potentially bite you. However, the tick must still attach to your skin and stay there long enough to transmit bacteria. Regular tick checks on your pets and prompt removal of any ticks you find reduces this risk.

If you remove a tick within a few hours, is it impossible to get Lyme disease?

Removing a tick within 24 hours greatly reduces your risk, but it does not make infection impossible. The bacteria can begin transmitting before 24 hours in rare cases. However, the sooner you remove the tick, the lower your risk.

Do all deer ticks carry Lyme disease?

No. The percentage of infected ticks varies by location. In some regions, most deer ticks carry the bacteria; in others, very few do. This is why your geographic location affects your personal risk.

What should you do if you think a tick gave you Lyme disease?

If you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms within a few weeks of a tick bite, contact your doctor. Describe the tick bite and when it occurred. Your doctor can examine you and order tests if needed. Early treatment with antibiotics is very effective at preventing complications.