Is Lyme disease contagious? Lyme disease is an illness that impacts many, caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium that is transmitted through the bite of a tick. This infection is not contagious as it will not spread between people, from infected pets to humans, or through bodily fluids. Knowing the signs, such as fever, fatigue, bullseye rash, and others can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Lyme disease is a very common illness that is found throughout the world— especially in North America and parts of Europe. Due to its prevalence, many are left wondering just how contagious it is. Or, is Lyme disease even contagious at all?
Understanding the seriousness of this disease and its potential for long-term health effects is the key to preventing it.
This article explores facts about Lyme disease, including what it is, how it is transmitted, and what you can do to prevent infection.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It is often found in many black-legged ticks that have been infected by animals they have fed on, such as deer, mice, and mammals.
When in areas where they are present, these ticks can attach to a human’s skin and begin feeding on the blood. If the tick is not removed right away, the bacterium can enter into the bloodstream — and lead to a Lyme disease infection.
Treatment usually consists of a round or two of antibiotics. Most of the time, this is all that is needed. However, sometimes symptoms can stick around longer and may lead to some serious complications in the future.
Know what to look for and seek treatment immediately.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Although the symptoms of Lyme disease can vary from patient to patient and depend on how early the infection is detected and treated, let’s talk about a few of the most common.
Typically patients have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches. Unless a person is aware they have been infected by a tick, this alone can make it difficult to diagnose. What many doctors look for is the bullseye rash that appears in the majority of cases. It is red, circular, and has a lighter center that gives it the defining look.
Without treatment, Lyme disease can progress and the symptoms can get more serious. They can begin to affect the joints, heart, and nervous system. This leaves patients with joint pain, arthritis, heart palpitations, and neurological issues.
How is Lyme Disease Transmitted?
This brings us to the biggest question — how is Lyme disease transmitted? As mentioned, infection usually occurs from the bacterium in infected ticks that have latched onto the skin for about 24 hours. It is during that long time of feeding that the bacteria is transferred into the bloodstream of the host, resulting in infection.
Let’s look at other ways Lyme disease may be transmitted.
Is Lyme Disease Contagious from Person to Person?
If you or someone you know is infected with Lyme disease, can they pass it on? Are they contagious? The answer is no. You cannot become infected based on casual contact with someone who has it by any type of human interaction.
Unlike the flu or common colds that can be spread from person to person, Lyme disease is only contracted when an infected tick bites a human host.
Can Lyme Disease Be Transmitted Through Bodily Fluids?
Most medical professionals agree that Lyme disease is not capable of spreading from bodily fluids like blood, saliva, sweat, or urine. The Borrelia burgdorferi is primarily found in the fluids of a tick, but not a human— except for a few isolated instances.
Nonetheless, there is no conclusive evidence that this transmission is possible.
If you have Lyme disease or find yourself caring for someone who does, you do not need to worry about spreading it around via respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, or even direct contact with these fluids.
Can Lyme Disease Be Transmitted from Pets to Humans?
Your pets, most commonly dogs, can contract Lyme disease. Just as it infects you, it can infect them. This is especially true for those who spend a lot of time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas because this is where most ticks are present. It is always a good idea to check your pets for ticks and remove them promptly to reduce risk.
Even if pets are infected with the disease, they cannot transmit it to humans.
Can Lyme Disease Be Transmitted Through Organ Transplants?
Although the majority of the population may never have to worry about organ transplants, for those patients who do — Lyme disease is a concern. There have been cases where organ recipients developed Lyme disease after receiving a transplant from someone carrying the bacteria, but they are very rare.
What’s more, organ transplant centers today will screen donors for all types of infections, including Lyme disease.
Can Lyme Disease Be Prevented?
Lyme disease may not be very contagious, but it can easily be prevented by taking a few precautions that will reduce your risk of tick bites.
Because they are found in grassy, wooded areas, primarily in the spring and summer months, be sure to be extra vigilant. Cover all exposed areas of the body, use insect repellent, and always check for ticks.
The more careful you are, the greater chance you have of avoiding infection entirely.
Lyme Disease Treatment at Lyme Mexico
Sometimes no matter how cautious you are, tick bites and Lyme infections still occur. What can you do about it? Working with a Lyme-literate doctor, such as Dr. Omar Morales of Lyme Mexico, will help you to get the treatment you need.
With alternative modalities, healing is possible. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, and find alternate treatments that will give you the relief you have been hoping for.
To learn more about these alternative treatment options or to become a patient, contact us today. Schedule a consultation and become a patient today.
Conclusion
Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, but it cannot be passed from person to person, through bodily fluids, or from pets to humans. Knowing signs and symptoms to look out for can help you to seek treatment right away. Of course, with proper precautions, you decrease your chances of having to worry about Lyme disease in the first place.