Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease is caused by a  bacteria that is transmitted  through the bite of an infected tick.  In New Jersey, the most commonly infected tick is the deer tick (or black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis).

Common symptoms may include a rash that looks like a bulls-eye, tiredness, fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, and joint pain. If left untreated, those infected may develop arthritis, and nervous system and/or heart problems. If treated early, antibiotic therapy is generally effective. 

Tick Bite Prevention

Ticks are commonly found on the tips of grasses and shrubs and climb aboard humans as they walk by. Follow these steps to help prevent tick bites.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, boots or sturdy shoes, and a head covering. Ticks will be more visible if clothing is light-colored.
• Apply insect repellent that contains DEET (10-30%), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535.
• Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5%. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin. Some sports clothing and gear come pretreated with permethrin.
• Walk in the center of trails so grass, shrubs, and weeds do not brush against you.
• Check for and remove ticks from your clothing, body, hair, and pets when you have been outside.
• Washing clothing in hot water or tumbling dry clothing in the dryer for at least 10 minutes set at high heat will kill ticks.
• Shower soon after being in tick habitat.
• If a tick is found on the skin it is important to safely remove the tick as soon as possible.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention products for your pets.
• Keep grass, shrubs and trees close to your residence trimmed

Additional Resources

• Insect Repellent Essentials: A Brief Guide
• Tick-borne Diseases Page
• Tick Identification
• Tick Testing Labs for the General Public
• American Lyme Disease Foundation

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