Early Localized (Stage I) - the earliest signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, usually start within 2 days to several weeks after the bite of an infected tick. If you think you have any of these symptoms listed below, and think you may have Lyme disease, call your doctor! Lyme Disease is most easily treated at this early stage!!!

• Rash/rashes at the site of the tick bite or elsewhere on the body
• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Stiff neck
• Sore throat
• Ear aches
• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye)
• Fatigue
• Swollen glands
• Muscle aches
• Joint pains
• Jaw pain
• Nausea

Early Disseminated (Stage II)- if Lyme disease is not treated, it can advance and spread from the initial site to the rest of the body. The symptoms include heart and nervous system problems. This can begin two to three months after the bite of an infected deer tick, and the following symptoms can occur without having the early symptoms.

• Palpitations (feelings of an irregular or slow heart beat)
• Dizziness
• Mild shortness of breath
• Chronic headaches
• Stiff neck
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty remembering
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Bell’s Palsy (facial drooping)
• Pins and needles sensation in arms or legs

Late or Chronic (Stage III) - can develop months to years after the infected tick bite. These symptoms can occur without having any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Arthritis (painful, swollen joints)
Nervous system problems such as trouble concentrating, loss of memory, unusual fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs

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