TICKS AND LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States.

Most Lyme patients are cured by taking antibiotics.

Officials say the risk of getting a tick-borne disease is small, especially if the tick is removed soon after it becomes attached.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease typically include a characteristic "bull's-eye" rash that appears as a red ring with central clearing. The rash begins as a small, raised red area that may expand to several inches in diameter. It may appear on one or more places on the body and is usually not painful or itchy.

In addition to Lyme disease, blacklegged ticks also can carry human anaplasmosis and babesiosis, which also cause serious complications. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills and shaking.