Lyme Disease in Kids: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
| Year | Cases of Lyme Disease in Children (0-19 years old) |
| 2016 | 9,072 |
| 2017 | 10,157 |
| 2018 | 10,937 |
| 2019 | 10,194 |
| 2020 | 8,554 |
| 2021 (Preliminary) | 8,229 |
Getting the Hang of Kids’ Tick-Borne Illness
This illness is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, which gets passed to people through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Anyone spending time in wooded or grassy areas—especially where ticks are common—can be at risk of picking it up.
| Symptom | Percentage of Children with Lyme Disease Who Experience This Symptom |
| Fever | 70% |
| Headache | 60% |
| Fatigue | 55% |
| Aching muscles and joints | 50% |
| Rash (erythema migrans) | 30% |
| Swollen lymph nodes | 30% |
| Chills | 25% |
| Nausea and vomiting | 20% |
| Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis) | 5% |
| Arthritis | 5% |
Fever:
One of the first signs they might be dealing with a tick-related illness is a low-grade fever. It might come and go, and every now and then, it could be joined by a few chills.
Skin Rash:
You know that unique round rash folks sometimes get after a tick bite? That’s called erythema migrans (EM). It usually shows up anywhere from 3 to 30 days after the bite. The size can change and it might look like a bull’s-eye. But remember, not everyone with this condition will have that rash.
Fatigue:
They might feel completely drained from this, making it tough to keep up with daily routines and even pulling their mood down.
Headache:
They often deal with frequent headaches—sometimes really intense ones—which can show up early on as part of that tick-related condition.
Muscle and Joint Pain:
Children may complain of muscle and joint pain, which can sometimes be mistaken for growing pains.
Swollen Lymph Nodes:
Neurological Symptoms:
Sometimes, that bug bite thing can mess with your nerves, causing stuff like a pins-and-needles feeling, loss of feeling, and trouble focusing.
Sleep Disturbances:
You know, when you’re dealing with that bug bite thing, it can really mess with your shut-eye, making it tough to hit the hay and stay in dreamland.
Cognitive Issues:
They might struggle with things like memory and staying focused, making it harder to think clearly when dealing with that tick-borne illness.
Diagnosis
Figuring out if a kiddo’s got that tick-related sickness can be a real head-scratcher, ’cause the symptoms can look a lot like other stuff kids often come down with. To get to the bottom of it, doctors might:
- Take a good look at the youngster’s health history and what they’ve been up to outside lately.
- Give ’em a once-over to check for that telltale skin issue and other signs.
- Run some blood work to see if there are antibodies to the bacteria that causes the disease.
It’s really important for parents to share as much detail as possible with the doctor about what’s been happening and whether there’s any chance of exposure to ticks. That kind of info can go a long way in helping get to the bottom of things.
Treatment
| Stage of Lyme Disease | Antibiotic Treatment |
| Early Stage (localized) | We’re gonna start with Amoxicillin for about 14 days. |
| Early Stage (spread out) | The doc will probably go with Doxycycline or Amoxicillin, and you’ll be on it for 21 days. |
| Late Stage (with joint issues) | Here, we’re looking at Amoxicillin, Cefotaxime, or Ceftriaxone for about 28 days. |
| Late Stage (with brain or nerve issues) | The treatment here is usually Ceftriaxone or Penicillin G, and it’s gonna last between 2 to 4 weeks. |
Doxycycline:
This antibiotic works effectively in older individuals and adolescents, but it is not recommended for those under 8 years of age due to the risk of teeth discoloration.
Amoxicillin:
Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed for individuals under 8 years of age as well as for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Cefuroxime:
Another antibiotic option, especially for those with more severe symptoms, is often considered for use based on the specific condition and severity of the infection.
Besides the antibiotic regimen, it’s super important for kiddos dealing with this tick-related illness to catch plenty of Z’s and keep their hydration game strong. You can also count on some over-the-counter meds to help keep things like fevers and aches in check.
Hospital and Doctor Details
If you’re lookin’ for some guidance and support, there are plenty of hospitals and specialists across the U.S. who know their stuff when it comes to tackling that pesky tick-borne illness. They’re ready to help every step of the way.
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (Baltimore, Maryland)
Website: Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
Boston Children’s Hospital (Boston, Massachusetts)
Website: Boston Children’s Hospital
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Website: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, Ohio)
Website: Nationwide Children’s Hospital
It’s always a great idea to have a conversation with a specialist or a doctor experienced in tick-borne illnesses. They can create a personalized care plan and offer the best advice tailored to the unique needs of your little one.
Keeping the Kiddos Safe
Remember, it’s always better to stop trouble before it starts. Here’s a few things y’all can do to keep your little ones safe:
- Teach ’em about the importance of being aware of those pesky bugs and checking for ’em after they’ve been playing outside.
- Get ’em to use bug sprays with DEET.
- Have ’em wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep their skin covered up.
- Make sure to check your kiddos regularly for any bugs, especially if you’re in an area where they’re known to hang out.
Conclusion
Alright, here’s the deal. When it comes to that bug bite illness, catching it early and getting treatment right away can make a huge difference. Knowing the signs, getting your little one checked out by a doc ASAP, and taking steps to avoid those pesky ticks can really help protect your kid from the risks tied to it. If you think your child might’ve caught it, don’t wait around. Reach out to a healthcare pro for a full check-up and treatment plan. There’s nothing more important than your child’s well-being, you know?
Here are some valuable resources and referrals for parents in the United States:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Website: American Academy of Pediatrics
The AAP is a treasure trove of information on children’s health and development, offering guidelines, articles, and resources that are super helpful for parents. It’s a great place to get all the info you need!
CDC’s Parent Portal:
Website: CDC – Parents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a dedicated section for parents. It’s filled with reliable information on keeping the little ones safe, useful parenting tips, and trusted advice on well-being.
Parenting.com:
Website: Parenting
Parenting.com is your online guide, loaded with articles and pro tips on all things parenting, from expecting a baby to raising a toddler. It’s like having a parenting manual at your fingertips!
HealthyChildren.org (by the AAP):
Website: HealthyChildren.org
HealthyChildren.org is a trusted resource for parents, packed with reliable information on growth, safety, and overall well-being, all endorsed by the experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics. It’s like having a pediatrician right in your pocket!
National Parent Helpline:
Website: National Parent Helpline
The National Parent Helpline is there for all the moms and dads out there. It’s totally free and private. They’ve got a bunch of resources and help for those tough times. Remember, you’re not alone in this parenting journey!
Parenting Magazines:
Local Parenting Support Groups and Organizations:
A whole bunch of neighborhoods have local parent backup groups, which can be a top-notch way to link up with other moms and dads and tap into local resources. Scout around for parent support groups and outfits in your neck of the woods.
Just remember, these trusty guides are packed with tons of info and support for folks all across the U.S. Whether you’re looking for tips on growth, safety, or just some down-to-earth parenting advice, these resources can be a real goldmine for guidance and help.
