Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in Sweden and is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites. The characteristic skin rash, erythema migrans, is often the first sign, followed by flu-like symptoms.Treatment with antibiotics is effective, especially when started early. There is currently no vaccine against Lyme disease.On this page, you can learn more about the disease, its symptoms, risks, and how to best protect yourself.
Quick facts about Lyme disease
Symptoms
Red rash (erythema migrans)
Fever and headache
Fatigue / muscle and joint pain
Facial paralysis / numbness
Mode of transmission
Tick bites
Preventive measures
Use insect repellent and wear protective, covering clothing
Lyme disease – disease progression and symptoms
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria within the Borrelia burgdorferi complex that are transmitted through tick bites. Many infections resolve after treatment with antibiotics, but without diagnosis or treatment, the bacteria can spread to the joints, nervous system, or heart.
Symptoms and disease progression
The disease typically begins with a characteristic red rash (erythema migrans) appearing days to weeks after the bite, sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue. If the infection is not treated, it can spread (disseminated form) and cause joint pain (arthritis), neurological symptoms, or cardiac involvement.
Complications and risks
Possible long-term effects include joint inflammation, neuroborreliosis (nerve involvement such as facial palsy or radiculitis), and cardiac involvement (carditis).
When and where should you seek medical care?
If a Lyme disease infection is suspected, it is important to seek medical care for proper diagnosis and treatment.
When should you seek medical care?
If you develop a ring-shaped skin rash and flu-like symptoms after a tick bite
If you experience symptoms from the nervous system (facial paralysis, numbness)
If joint pain or swelling develops at a later stage
Treatment
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics for about 10 days and is often highly effective when started early. In later or more complicated cases, further evaluation and possibly specialist care may be required.
How is the disease transmitted?
Lyme disease is transmitted when an infected tick bites and leaves behind bacteria that can be passed on after the tick has been attached for some time (often a day or more).
How Lyme disease is transmitted
Ticks that carry the bacteria are found in natural environments throughout the country. Tick bites most commonly occur during walks or time spent in forests and grassy areas. Detecting and removing ticks quickly reduces the risk of infection.
Who is at risk of infection?
Anyone who spends time in areas where ticks are present, especially in southern and central Sweden, is at risk of infection. People who do not notice tick bites or who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing a disseminated infection.
How can I protect myself?
Since there is currently no vaccine against Lyme disease, preventive measures are important. Use insect repellent and wear protective, covering clothing when spending time outdoors. Inspect your body for tick bites and remove any ticks as soon as possible, including the mouthparts. Treatment with antibiotics is effective if given early.
Use mosquito/tick repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers
Check your body after spending time outdoors
Remove the tick quickly and correctly
Seek medical care if you develop symptoms such as a ring-shaped rash or neurological signs
Check your body and remove ticks quickly and correctly
Avoid areas with a high number of ticks during the season
Occurrence
Lyme disease is found throughout Sweden, particularly in the southern and central parts of the country and along the coasts.
The season usually runs from April to November, depending on temperature (above approximately 5–7 °C).
