Travelers and Lyme Disease

Lyme disease in travelers may be the result of infection acquired overseas or may be the result of an infection acquired in the United States that does not become symptomatic until the individual has left the country. Because the incubation period after inoculation of the infection is 3-30 days the infection may the result of a tick bite in ones home environment that does not become symptomatic for 1-2 weeks later. Lyme disease is found in regions of Europe and Scandinavia where it is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex. Travelers to these areas who have exposure to tick habitats could be at risk for Lyme disease. Lyme disease in Europe may be caused by different species of Borrelia than are present in North America including B. afzelii, and B. garinii.

If you are traveling and have a skin lesion or rash you think could be Lyme disease it is very important to take a digital picture of the lesion before you initiate any therapy. This may be important when you return home for your physician to provide follow up care.