Can Mosquitoes Give You Lyme Disease?
WouterDepending on your geographic location, the answer to the question “Can mosquitoes give you Lyme disease?” can vary. Some areas of the United States are regarded as being especially susceptible to Lyme disease, while others are less likely to have it.
Ticks, including the western blacklegged tick, are known to transmit Lyme disease. They can be found in the Pacific Coast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. They are also commonly found in wooded areas.
Symptoms of Lyme disease include a fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and a rash. The most severe symptoms may include heart and central nervous system problems.
Although Lyme disease is generally treated with antibiotics in the early stages, untreated infections can cause long-term effects. The symptoms of untreated Lyme disease can include numbness and pain in the limbs, joint swelling, and a rash.
Infection with Lyme disease is typically accompanied by a bull’s-eye rash that is warm to the touch. It usually appears 3 to 30 days after a bite, and gradually expands to two or more inches across. The rash can be a solid patch or a bull’s-eye pattern.
A person’s risk for developing Lyme disease increases if a tick remains attached for more than 48 hours. If the bite is removed within three days, the chance for full recovery is high. However, if the bite is left untreated, the likelihood of a complete cure decreases.
The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) provides information on the many diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes, as well as tips on how to reduce your risk. It also offers prevention and education programs.
