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Lyme Disease Prevention

According to the Vermont State Health Department, lyme disease is the most commonly reported tickborne disease in Vermont.  In 2016, Vermont had the second highest rate of reported Lyme disease cases in the U.S.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that features a skin rash, swollen joints and flu-like symptoms. You can get lyme disease from the bite of an infected tick.

The Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources also has a full list of tick resources.

The Vermont Department of Health has also published an excellent flyer (can download in several languages!) called Be Tick Smart.

Know the Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Early symptoms of Lyme disease typically appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Chills and fever
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Headache
  • Swollen lymph nodes near the bite
  • A circular skin rash, often called a "bullseye" (erythema migrans). However, not all early cases present with a rash. It is rarely itchy or painful.

Preventing Lyme Disease and Other Tick and Insect-borne Diseases

Prevent ticks, mosquitos and other insects from having contact with your skin.

  • Wear light-colored clothing in the field so you can see ticks and remove them.
  • Avoid shrubbery and stay on widest part of any path.
  • Apply insect repellent to outer clothing (vs directly on skin).
  • Wear clothes made of tightly woven materials and tuck pants into boots.

Tie back hair and wear a hat.

How To Report a Tick Bite  

Follow the Incident and Claim Reporting Procedures protocol if you believe you got lyme disease while conducting work at UVM.

Always see your doctor immediately if you are experiencing lyme disease symptoms.

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