Summertime in Iowa means outdoor activities, and with outdoor activities come all sorts of bugs. Some of those bugs are deer ticks, and deer ticks can transmit Lyme Disease. Marion County Public Health Nurse Judi Van Hulzen says the best thing to do to avoid contracting Lyme Disease is to check for ticks immediately after coming in after fishing, hunting, or any other activity where ticks might be found. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain. She says the characteristic bullseye rash may or may not be present. Van Hulzen says symptoms may not show up for about a month, and effects can last for years. If you think you’ve been exposed, contact your doctor.