Lyme Disease Transmission: How Fast Can a Tick Infect You?

If you’ve ever found a tick attached to your skin, you may wonder: How long does it take for Lyme disease to be transmitted? This video answers that crucial question by exploring the biology of Lyme disease transmission.
Ticks do not transmit the Lyme bacterium immediately upon attachment-the risk increases the longer they remain embedded. But how long is long enough for transmission to occur? The answer depends on multiple factors, including the species of tick, the type of Borrelia bacterium, and whether the tick has fed previously.
In North America, Borrelia burgdorferi is rarely transmitted within the first 24 hours. However, by 48 hours, the risk rises to 10%, and by 72 hours, it reaches 70%. In contrast, in Europe, some species of Borrelia may be transmitted in as little as 17 hours. Additionally, ticks that reattach after a partial meal pose an even greater risk of rapid transmission.
To minimize your risk, it’s essential to check for ticks daily, use insect repellent, and promptly remove any ticks you find. In this video, we break down the science behind tick attachment and transmission to help you protect yourself from Lyme disease.