Early localized infection (1 to 4 weeks)

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Some people with Lyme disease have a rash (called erythema migrans) at the site of the tick bite. The rash is usually circular and it gets larger over time. Other people don't have any symptoms in the early stages of Lyme disease and do not remember having had a tick bite. About half the people infected with Lyme disease develop a rash within 1 to 4 weeks.

See a picture of a Lyme disease rash.

For people who live in areas where Lyme disease most often occurs-in the United States along the Atlantic coast, the Midwest, and parts of Oregon and California-the circular rash can be a sign of Lyme disease, especially when it appears during the summer months.

Some people with Lyme disease will have flu-like symptoms with or without a rash.

These symptoms may include:
-Lack of energy, which is the most common symptom.
-Headache and stiff neck.
-Fever and chills.
-Muscle and joint pain.
-Swollen lymph nodes.

In some cases of Lyme disease, the person does not notice any symptoms during this stage.