Tick Bites and Lyme Disease: CDC’s Latest Treatment Guidelines

Joe Montemorano
Jun 20
2 min read

Updated: Jun 26

Click here for video: https://youtu.be/cktYkp-_pe0

Understanding Lyme Disease: Prevalence, Demographics, and Current Treatment Protocols

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia bacteria and spread through infected blacklegged tick bites, is the leading vector-borne illness in the U.S. This blog, created for RxHealthyHabits using CDC data, outlines its prevalence, demographics, and treatment protocols to empower readers with knowledge for prevention and management.

Prevalence of Lyme Disease

Over 89,000 cases reported in 2023, though the CDC estimates ~476,000 annual diagnoses due to under-reporting.
95% of cases occur in 15 high-incidence states (Northeast, mid-Atlantic, upper Midwest), with Pennsylvania leading (29.2% of cases, 2016–2019).
The tick range is expanding due to climate change, increasing the risk in northern areas.
Peak tick bite-related ER visits in May (avg. 119), with secondary spikes in October–November.
2022 case definition change led to 62,551 reported cases, up from 37,118 (2017–2019 average).

Demographics of Lyme Disease

The highest incidence in adults aged 65+, with double the rates of 2017–2019.
Slight male predominance, likely due to outdoor activities (e.g., farming, hiking).
Children and middle-aged adults are also affected, often from recreational exposure.
High-risk groups: residents of endemic states, outdoor workers, and pet owners.
Travel-related cases reported in low-incidence areas; suburban growth increases exposure.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Early signs (3–30 days post-bite): erythema migrans (“bullseye” rash), fever, fatigue, joint/muscle pain.
Untreated cases may lead to neurological, cardiac, or arthritis issues; 20% lack a rash.
Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLD): persistent fatigue, pain, or cognitive issues in some patients.
Two-step serologic testing is recommended for disseminated disease; clinical judgment is used for early cases.
Testing is not advised for asymptomatic bites; there is risk due to symptom overlap.

Current Treatment Protocols

Early Lyme disease (e.g., erythema migrans):
- Doxycycline: 100 mg twice daily, 10–14 days (adults).
- Amoxicillin: 500 mg three times daily, 14 days (adults).
- Cefuroxime axetil: 500 mg twice daily, 14 days (adults).
Neurologic Lyme: IV ceftriaxone (2 g daily, 14–28 days).
Lyme arthritis: Oral doxycycline, 28 days.
Prophylaxis (high-risk bites): Single 200 mg doxycycline dose within 72 hours.
PTLD: No prolonged antibiotics; symptomatic management advised.

Prevention Strategies

Avoid wooded/grassy areas; stay on cleared trails.
Wear long sleeves, permethrin-treated clothing; use DEET or picaridin repellents.
Conduct full-body tick checks after outdoor activities; shower within two hours.
Dry clothes on high heat (10–60 min) to kill ticks.
Use tick prevention products for pets.
Remove ticks promptly with tweezers; clean bite site with soap or antiseptic.

Conclusion

Lyme disease affects nearly 500,000 Americans annually, primarily in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwest. Older adults and outdoor enthusiasts face higher risks, but early antibiotic treatment is effective. Preventive measures like tick checks and repellents are critical. Consult the resources below for further guidance to stay safe and informed.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Lyme Disease Surveillance and Data. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/data-surveillance/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Treatment for Lyme Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/treatment/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Clinical Resources for Lyme Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/clinicians/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Tickborne Disease Data Summary. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/tickbornediseases/data-summary.html
Infectious Diseases Society of America. (2020). Guidelines for Lyme Disease. https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/lyme-disease/