From the Research
Fever in Lyme disease can range from low-grade to moderate, typically up to 103°F (39.4°C), but high fevers above 104°F (40°C) are possible, especially in severe cases or co-infections with other tick-borne illnesses. The fever usually presents as part of a flu-like illness, including headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain, and appears within days to weeks after an infected tick bite, coinciding with the early disseminated phase of the infection 1, 2, 3, 4.
Key Points to Consider
- Fever in Lyme disease is often accompanied by other symptoms such as erythema migrans, malaise, and arthralgias 1.
- The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based on clinical manifestations and adjunctive laboratory testing, including serologic tests and microscopy 2, 4.
- Treatment of Lyme disease typically involves antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime, with the duration of treatment depending on the stage and severity of the disease 5, 3, 4.
- High fevers or persistent symptoms may indicate severe Lyme disease or co-infection with another tick-borne illness, and prompt medical attention is recommended 1, 4.
Management and Treatment
- Appropriate antibiotic treatment can effectively reduce fever and prevent complications in Lyme disease. The choice of antibiotic and duration of treatment should be guided by the stage and severity of the disease, as well as the presence of any co-infections 5, 3, 4.
- Patients with suspected Lyme disease should seek medical attention promptly to initiate treatment and prevent long-term complications 1, 2, 3, 4.