Lyme Disease in a Newborn: A Mother’s Experience
Newborn developed symptoms after a tick bite
Hospitalization and PICC line treatment followed
A mother describes the challenges of obtaining care
The mother saw a tick on her newborn daughter. “Three days later, she was very sleepy and hard to rouse,” the mother wrote.
Although Lyme disease is uncommon in newborns and young babies, this case highlights the challenges families may face when an infant develops symptoms after a tick bite.
Lyme Disease in a Newborn Infant
The infant had a red rash but not a classic bull’s-eye rash, a reminder that Lyme disease in babies may not always present with the characteristic erythema migrans pattern.
She was hospitalized. Intravenous antibiotics were prescribed via a PICC [peripherally inserted central catheter] line.
Challenges Obtaining Care for a Newborn With Lyme Disease
The mother described sleeping in a small bed at the hospital next to her child. The care was more difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions. She was isolated with some depression and anxiety and concerned about her 3-year-old at home.
She was unable to pull off a 3-hour drive there and back and take care of her child. “They were trying to transfer us to a closer hospital, but one local hospital wouldn’t take her because of the PICC line and the other didn’t have beds. And there was a real shortage of home care nurses,” wrote the mother.
Fortunately, the mother was a specialized infusion and injection nurse who reluctantly was able to take care of the PICC line and the infusions at home.
The Emotional Impact on the Family
The mother describes herself as having “tick PTSD [posttraumatic stress disorder]. We have 55 acres of hay field surrounding us and it has definitely changed the way we play outside.”
The emotional impact of Lyme disease can extend beyond the patient and affect the entire family.
Editor’s note: The mother’s difficulties receiving care for Lyme disease were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, I’ve had patients with similar experiences who have found it difficult to find medical care to properly diagnose and treat pediatric Lyme disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies get Lyme disease?
Yes. Although uncommon, babies and infants can develop Lyme disease following a tick bite and may require prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
What are symptoms of Lyme disease in a newborn?
Symptoms may include rash, excessive sleepiness, irritability, fever, poor feeding, or other signs of illness. Symptoms can vary from one infant to another.
Can a newborn get Lyme disease from a tick bite?
Yes. This case describes a newborn who developed Lyme disease after a tick was discovered on the infant.
Does every baby with Lyme disease develop a bull’s-eye rash?
No. Some infants and children may develop other types of rashes or may not have a typical bull’s-eye rash.
Clinical Takeaway
Lyme disease in a newborn is uncommon, but this case illustrates the importance of prompt evaluation after a tick bite when an infant develops symptoms such as rash or unusual sleepiness.
This mother’s experience highlights both the medical challenges of diagnosing Lyme disease in newborns and the practical difficulties families may face when seeking timely treatment and follow-up care.
Related Articles
Lyme disease and Herxheimer reaction in newborn
Congenital transmission of Babesia, diagnosed in twin at 5 weeks old
Tick bites during pregnancy: a perspective
Bad signs after a tick bite
References
- Saigle V. Rural parents’ experience in receiving care for their newborn with Lyme disease. CMAJ. 2022;194(27):E950. doi:10.1503/cmaj.220945
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
