Lyme disease is an infection caused by a certain type of bacteria, which is transmitted by deer ticks. It most commonly occurs in late summer in certain parts of the U.S. It is rare in Texas. The initial sign is often a specific rash appearing 4-20 days after the bite, which may look like an expanding red ring, along with flu-like symptoms. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to check for and remove ticks, as it generally takes 48 hours of an infected tick being attached for the bacteria to be transmitted.