Lyme Disease, Erythema Chronicum Migrans

Erythema chronicum migrans is the initial lesion of Lyme disease, and often appears at the site of the infecting tick bite. It is a red, enlarging rash, flat (macular) or slightly raised, and may reach from 4 to 20 inches across (the average rash is 6 inches). (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)

Lyme Disease Organism, Borrelia Burgdorferi

Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete similar to spirochetes of other diseases, such as relapsing fever and syphilis. This organism causes Lyme Disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)

Deer Ticks

Diseases are often carried by ticks, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Lyme disease, and tularemia. Less common or less frequent diseases include typhus, Q-fever, relapsing fever, viral encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever, and babesiosis.

Ticks

There are many species of ticks. Of these, a large proportion are capable of carrying disease. Diseases carried by ticks include Lyme disease, Erlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, tularemia, typhus, Q fever, hemorrhagic fever, and viral encephalitis. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)

Tick, Deer Engorged on the Skin

This picture shows an engorged deer tick (Ixodes damini) embedded in the skin of a human host. In the United States, these ticks are the primary source (vector) of Lyme disease. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and M. Fergione.)

Lyme Disease - Borrelia Burgdorferi Organism

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium known as a spirochete because of its long, corkscrew shape. The infectious organism is named Borrelia burgdorferi. The photomicrograph shows the typical corkscrew appearance of a spirochete. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)

Tick, Deer - Adult Female

This is an adult female deer tick, Ixodes damini. It is a "vector" or insect that transmits Lyme disease to humans. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)

Tick Imbedded in the Skin

This is a close-up photograph of a tick embedded in the skin. Ticks are important because they can carry diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, Lyme disease, and others.