Communicable Disease Control

Testing of ticks for B. burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme Disease, is generally not recommended due to the following:

• Results of tick testing should not be used for treatment decisions.
• Positive results showing that the tick contains a disease-causing organism do not necessarily mean that you have been infected.
• Negative results can lead to false assurance. You may have been unknowingly bitten by a different tick that was infected.
• Ticks can potentially transmit diseases other than Lyme Disease.

If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick or have any other concerns, see your doctor.  Be sure to tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick.

For further information please visit the following CDPH websites:

• Testing ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi, the Agent of Lyme Disease: Questions and Answers (PDF)
• Hey Doc – I’ve Been Bitten By a Tick – What Do I Do Now? (PDF)