Lyme disease is an infectious condition transmitted to humans through bites from infected deer ticks. Children and young adults living in areas where ticks are more common, such as wooded areas, have the highest risk of contracting Lyme disease, although anyone can be infected. Individuals previously diagnosed with Lyme disease can acquire it again if bitten by another infected tick.

Common risk factors for Lyme disease include:

• Spending time in wooded areas. In the United States, deer ticks are most abundant in heavily wooded areas of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic region and upper Midwest.  Spending significant amounts of time outdoors in these locations during warmer times of the year increases one’s risk for exposure to Lyme disease.
  
  
• Exposed skin. Ticks attach themselves to uncovered skin. Exposing arms and legs while outdoors in areas with high tick populations increases the chance of getting bitten by an infected tick.
  
  
• Improper or delayed removal of ticks. Removing ticks within 24 to 48 hours of attachment substantially lowers the risk of acquiring Lyme disease.