Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that features a skin rash, swollen joints and flu-like symptoms. The disease is usually from the bite of an infected tick. Sometimes it is hard to ascertain the disease because a tick bite was not noticed. Also, many of its symptoms are like those of other diseases. Symptoms of Lyme disease may include: A skin rash, often resembling a bulls-eye, fever, headache, muscle pain, stiff neck, and swelling of the knees and other large joints. In the early stages, doctors look at the symptoms and medical history to figure out whether it is Lyme disease. I n the later stages of the disease, lab tests can confirm the disease. Antibiotics usually cure early stage Lyme disease. If not treated, the disease can cause problems with the joints, heart and nervous system. For further information, contact www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lymedisease.html or the Lyme Disease Association.