As spring arrives in New England, so does peak tick season and with it an increased risk of tick bites and Lyme disease. While the condition is common, recognizing early Lyme disease symptoms and seeking treatment quickly make a real difference.
At Tufts Medicine, clinicians and researchers are not only treating Lyme disease, they are helping shape the future of how it is diagnosed and managed.
Why Lyme disease risk is rising
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, with particularly high rates across the Northeast.
Milder winters and longer warm seasons have contributed to expanding tick populations, increasing the likelihood of human exposure.
“We’re seeing more tick activity for longer periods of the year,” says Terry Marryshow, MD, infectious disease expert at Tufts Medical Center and Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. “That means people need to think about Lyme disease not just in the summer but anytime they’re spending time outdoors in warmer months.”
Early symptoms: What to watch for
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick. Symptoms can appear days to weeks after a bite and often resemble the flu.
Common early signs include:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- A “bull’s-eye” rash, though it is not always present
“One of the challenges with Lyme disease is that early symptoms can be easy to overlook or mistake for a viral illness,” says Terry Marryshow. “That’s why awareness is so important, especially in high-risk areas like New England.”
Without treatment, Lyme disease can progress and affect the joints, heart and nervous system.
When to seek medical care
You should contact your doctor if:
- A tick has been attached for more than 24 hours
- You develop a rash or flu-like symptoms
- You are unsure whether a tick was fully removed
Primary care doctors play a key role in early evaluation and treatment, helping determine when testing or antibiotics are appropriate.
“Early treatment is very effective and can prevent more serious complications,” says Dr. Marryshow. “If there’s any doubt, it’s always better to be evaluated.”
Treatment: What works today
Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a course of antibiotics, especially when caught early.
“The majority of patients recover fully with prompt antibiotic treatment,” says Dr. Marryshow. “The key is not delaying care.”
However, some patients experience lingering symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain or brain fog after treatment.
What’s new in Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment
Researchers across Tufts Medicine and the Tufts University Lyme Disease Initiative are working to improve how Lyme disease is diagnosed and treated, particularly for more complex cases.
Earlier and more accurate diagnosis
New testing approaches are being developed to detect Lyme disease sooner and more reliably.
“Current tests can miss early infections,” says Dr. Marryshow. “Advancing diagnostics is one of the most important areas of research right now.”
Understanding persistent symptoms
This spring, Tufts Medicine researchers are continuing a study focused on patients who develop the classic bull’s-eye rash, one of the earliest signs of Lyme disease. By collecting samples at time of diagnosis, after treatment, and then following patients over time, the team hopes to better understand why some individuals go on to develop Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) while others recover fully.
Often mislabeled as “chronic Lyme,” PTLDS remains one of the most challenging aspects of Lyme care.
“By studying patients from the very start of their illness, we can begin to uncover what drives these different outcomes,” says Dr. Marryshow. “Our goal is to identify patterns that could eventually lead to more personalized treatment and better long-term outcomes.”
Improving treatment strategies
Researchers are exploring whether different antibiotic approaches or supportive therapies could improve outcomes for patients with prolonged symptoms.
Tufts Medicine and the Tufts University Lyme Disease Initiative
Tufts Medical Center is a key collaborator in the Tufts University Lyme Disease Initiative, a multidisciplinary effort focused on advancing research, diagnosis and treatment.
The initiative brings together experts across fields to:
- Develop better diagnostic tools
- Improve treatment approaches
- Advance prevention strategies
- Study complex and chronic cases
“What makes this unique is the collaboration between researchers and clinicians,” says Dr. Marryshow. “We’re able to take what we learn in the lab and apply it directly to patient care.”
The goal is to significantly reduce the impact of Lyme disease and improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Common myths about Lyme disease
There’s a lot of misinformation about Lyme disease. Here are a few common myths and the facts behind them.
Myth: You’ll always see a bull’s-eye rash
Fact: Not everyone develops a rash, and when they do it may not have the classic bull’s-eye appearance.
Myth: You can only get Lyme disease in the summer
Fact: Tick exposure is most common in warmer months but can occur anytime temperatures are above freezing.
Myth: If you don’t feel sick right away, you are fine
Fact: Symptoms can take days or weeks to appear after a tick bite.
Myth: Lyme disease is always easy to diagnose
Fact: Early symptoms can mimic other illnesses, which is why awareness and medical evaluation are important.
How to protect yourself this season
Taking preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk:
- Use insect repellent with DEET or permethrin
- Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
- Perform tick checks after outdoor activities
- Shower soon after being outside
- Remove ticks promptly using fine-tipped tweezers
“Prevention really is your first line of defense,” says Dr. Marryshow. “Simple habits can go a long way in reducing risk.”
Learn more about how you can prevent tick-borne disease exposure.
The bottom line
Lyme disease is common in New England but it’s also highly treatable when caught early. Knowing the signs, acting quickly and taking preventive steps can help protect you and your family.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns after a tick bite, connecting with your primary care clinician early can make a significant difference.
At the same time, ongoing research at Tufts Medicine is helping move the field forward, offering hope for more accurate diagnostics and improved care in the future.
