Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint paint and other symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease is successfully treated with antibiotics.

Exactly how often Lyme disease strikes isn’t clear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites insurance records suggesting 476,000 people are treated for Lyme in the U.S. each year.

Black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, carry Lyme-causing bacteria. The infection initially causes fatigue, fever and joint pain. Often -- but not always -- the first sign is a red, round bull’s-eye rash.

Early antibiotic treatment is crucial, but it can be hard for people to tell if they were bitten by ticks, some as small as a pin. Untreated Lyme can cause severe arthritis and damage the heart and nervous system. Some people have lingering symptoms even after treatment.

Dr. Christopher Bazzoli, an emergency medicine physician who sub-specializes in wilderness and environmental medicine at Cleveland Clinic, cited the importance of prevention and suggested wearing clothing that covers more of the skin,, using repellants, and checking for ticks on the body after being outside.

"Spending time outdoors is one of the best things we can do for our mental and physical health and wellness. And if we do it smartly, we can certainly do it safely," Bazzoli said.