Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is one of the most common tick-related diseases in the United States and Europe, but awareness around it has grown worldwide due to travel and imported cases. If you’re in South Africa, you may be wondering whether Lyme disease is something you need to worry about locally.
What Causes Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease spreads when infected blacklegged ticks (often called deer ticks in North America) bite humans. The tick must usually be attached for at least 24–48 hours before the bacteria can pass into the bloodstream. Not all ticks carry the bacteria, but in countries where Lyme disease is common, such as the USA and parts of Europe, the risk is significant.
Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease
The early signs of Lyme disease can sometimes be confused with flu or other illnesses. The most notable early symptom is a bull’s-eye rash around the bite area. Other symptoms may include:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint aches
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
If untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe symptoms, including arthritis, neurological problems, and heart complications.
Do We Get Lyme Disease in South Africa?
In short, no Lyme disease itself has not been confirmed in South Africa. The blacklegged tick species responsible for spreading Borrelia burgdorferi is not native to the country. However, South Africa does have a number of other tick-borne diseases, such as tick bite fever, caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Tick bite fever is far more common locally and can cause fever, rash, and general malaise.
Because of international travel, there have been imported cases of Lyme disease diagnosed in South Africa meaning that South Africans who visited countries with known Lyme disease risk returned and were diagnosed locally. But if you only live and travel within South Africa, the risk of contracting Lyme disease is negligible.
Tick Bite Fever vs Lyme Disease in South Africa
Since Lyme disease does not naturally occur in South Africa, it is important not to confuse it with tick bite fever, which is far more likely. Tick bite fever is treatable with antibiotics and typically resolves with early medical care. Doctors in South Africa are well-equipped to diagnose and treat tick-related illnesses common to the region.
Protecting Yourself Against Tick-Borne Illnesses
Even though Lyme disease isn’t a local concern, tick bites should still be taken seriously. Here are some steps to protect yourself:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when walking in grassy or bushy areas.
- Use insect repellents with DEET or permethrin-treated clothing.
- Check your body for ticks after spending time outdoors.
- Remove ticks carefully with fine-tipped tweezers if you find one.
Lyme disease is a serious illness in parts of the world, but it is not endemic to South Africa. The real concern locally is tick bite fever, which, while unpleasant, is treatable and rarely life-threatening if managed early. If you develop symptoms after a tick bite, it’s always best to see a healthcare provider to rule out infection.