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Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection acquired by the bite of a tick. It occurs most commonly during warm periods of the year when ticks are most active (April through October). Symptoms can appear weeks, months or even years after the tick bite.

Children can be exposed to this infection when playing outside. The highest rate of Lyme disease is found in children age 5 to 9.

Most cases of Lyme disease occur in the upper Midwest and Northeast. However, the incidence of the disease has increased in Indiana over recent years.

A child with Lyme disease may have the following symptoms:

Stage 1: “Early Localized” (a few days to four weeks after the tick bite)

  • An expanding, circular red rash at the tick bite site (there can sometimes be central clearing in the middle of the rash)
  • Fever
  • Malaise
  • Muscle and joint pains
  • Headache
  • Neck stiffness

Stage 2: “Early Disseminated” (three to 10 weeks after the tick bite)

  • Multiple red circular rashes
  • Fever
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Fatigue and malaise
  • Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
  • Facial paralysis on one side of the face
  • Meningitis (headache, neck stiffness, light or sound sensitivity)
  • Heart inflammation (carditis) with heart block (disruption of electrical conduction) can occur but is rare

Stage 3: “Late Disease” (two to 12 months and sometimes years after the tick bite)

  • Arthritis (pain and swelling of a joint, usually the knee in Lyme disease)
  • Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, feet ) can occur but is rare

Diagnosis of Lyme Disease

It is important that a pediatric infectious disease specialist evaluate your child if he or she has symptoms of Lyme disease. Understanding Lyme disease and knowing the proper testing is critical to appropriate diagnosis.

At Riley at IU Health, a diagnosis is based on your child’s:

  • Medical history
  • Physical exam
  • Symptoms
  • Exposure to ticks
  • Blood test results

In severe cases, additional testing may include analysis of joint fluid or spinal fluid and/or an electrocardiogram (EKG).

A pediatric infectious disease specialist knows how to:

  • Recognize the risks of infection from tick bites
  • Suspect Lyme disease based on the patient’s symptoms and physical exam findings
  • Order the appropriate tests
  • Correctly interpret test results
  • Ensure tests are done at a reliable lab

Treatments

The earlier your child is treated, the better his or her chance for recovery without relapse. Most children with Lyme disease require antibiotic treatment for two to four weeks, depending on the stage of illness. If your child has severe disease, intravenous (IV) antibiotics may be required which often includes a stay in the hospital.

Key Points to Remember

  • Lyme disease is acquired only through the bite of a tick.
  • The infection usually starts with a spreading circular red rash at the site of the tick bite.
  • Treatment with antibiotics is highly effective and prevents late disease and relapse.

Support Services & Resources

Learn more about Lyme disease by visiting the trusted websites below.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This government website provides patient information about Lyme disease, including prevention, proper tick removal, diagnosis and treatment.

American Academy of Pediatricians

This website gives parents information about Lyme disease in children.

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 3 facilities offering Lyme Disease care by entering your city or zip below.

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