Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of a tick. It may be treated and cured with early diagnosis, but if not properly treated it may persist in the body for years.
1) Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes in tick country.
2) Tuck shirt into pants, and pants into socks.
3) Stay on trails! Avoid brush and grassy areas.
4) Use insect repellent on shoes, socks, and pants.
Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks frequently and thoroughly!
In California, the western black-legged tick is the major carrier of Lyme disease. The adult female is reddish-brown with black legs, about 1/8 inch long. Males are smaller and brownish-black. Both are teardrop shaped.
Early symptoms may include a spreading rash accompanied by fever, aches, and/or fatigue.
Prompt removal of ticks may prevent disease transmission.
Download: Snakes, ticks, poison oak and other wildlife encounters [PDF]
Additional Resources
Photo courtesy Bay Area Lyme Foundation.