Preventing Tick Bites & Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is the most common insect-borne infection in the United States. The bacteria that cause Lyme disease are transmitted to people when an infected tick bites and stays attached for more than 36 hours. After 3 to 32 days, the bacteria migrate from the site of the bite into the surrounding skin, causing a rash (erythema migrans). The bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, such as the skin in other areas of the body and the heart, nervous system, and joints. Wearing light-colored clothing, which makes ticks easier to see