Overview
Lyme disease is rare in Pakistan but can affect people who travel to areas where it is common. It is treated with antibiotics, and early treatment prevents complications.
Symptoms
- A spreading red rash, often like a bull's eye, around a tick bite
- Fever, headache and tiredness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Later: facial weakness, joint swelling or heart rhythm problems
Causes and risk factors
It is caused by Borrelia bacteria spread by ticks in grassy and wooded areas of North America, Europe and parts of Asia.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the rash and history of a tick bite. Blood tests may help in later stages.
Treatment
Treatment is a course of antibiotics. Most people recover fully.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you develop a spreading rash or flu-like illness after a tick bite or travel to an affected area.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
