Carson City Health and Human Services (CCHHS) confirmed a case of Lyme disease and said the person had not traveled outside of Northern Nevada in the four weeks prior to the onset of symptoms.
The suspected exposure may have occurred during outdoor activities or at a workplace, though the exact location of the tick bite could not be determined.
Lyme disease is transmitted when an infected tick bites a human and remains attached for at least 24 to 48 hours.
According to health officials, early symptoms often appear 7 to 10 days after exposure and may include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
A distinctive skin rash, known as erythema migrans or a “bull’s-eye rash,” may also develop.
To reduce the risk of infection, CCHHS recommends minimizing contact with ticks, especially in areas with dense vegetation.
Preventive steps include wearing long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes, pre-treating clothing with permethrin, applying EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, and showering within two hours of being outside.
Hikers are advised to stay in the center of cleared paths and avoid brush and tall grass.
Pet owners are urged to speak with veterinarians about tick prevention treatments, keep pets leashed on trails, reduce time in tick-prone areas, and check pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Health officials emphasize that Lyme disease is only spread by ticks and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact their medical provider.
