Tickborne Diseases & Symptoms

Ticks carry various diseases that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. Many tickborne diseases have similar signs and symptoms. If you get a tick bite and develop the symptoms below (3-30 days after bite), see your healthcare provider.

The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include:

Fever/chills. All tickborne diseases can cause fever.
Aches and pains. Tickborne diseases can cause headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. People with Lyme disease may also have joint pain.
Rash. Lyme disease, Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), ehrlichiosis, and tularemia can cause distinctive rashes.

For a detailed list of tickborne diseases click here.

Tick Paralysis

Tick paralysis is thought to be caused by a toxin in the saliva of an attached tick. People with tick paralysis can experience weakness or paralysis that gradually moves up the body. These symptoms can sometimes resemble other neurologic conditions (for example, Guillain-Barré syndrome or botulism). Patients typically regain movement within 24 hours of removing the tick.

Additional Info on Lyme's Disease:

Lyme's disease is prevalent on Nantucket. For more information visit the CDC:

Tickborne Diseases & Symptoms

The most common symptoms of tick-related illnesses include:

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Additional Info on Lyme's Disease:

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