Tick-Borne Disease Access Clinic

About

What Is the Tick-Borne Disease Access Clinic?

The Tick-borne Disease Access Clinic is designed to fill a critical gap by offering same-day, evening appointments on Mondays and Thursdays for individuals who have been bitten by a tick and may have a new rash or other symptoms consistent with a tick-borne disease like facial palsy, fever, muscle aches, headache, or joint pain.

The Tick-borne Disease Access Clinic will be open on Monday and Thursday evenings between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Hours are: Mondays between 4-7 PM and Thursdays between 5-7 PM.

This clinic offers timely evaluations, testing, and treatment, ensuring that patients receive the care they need promptly, without the long wait times.

Early evaluation of tick bites is important because during spring and summer, the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses rises as outdoor activity increases, especially in areas like Massachusetts where ticks are most active.

Why the Tick-Borne Disease Access Clinic?

If you've been bitten by a tick, early intervention is crucial to avoid complications. The Tick-Borne Disease Access Clinic allows you to receive immediate attention, making it easier for those in need of prompt care to be evaluated and treated.

If you have experienced a tick bite and notice an expanding red rash, a lesion at the bite site, or develop symptoms such as an unexplained fever, fatigue, achy symptoms, or others within 1 to 4 weeks after the bite, reach out to a health care provider. If you have concerns about these symptoms, call us at 617-726-9019 for assistance.

Services

• Tick Bite Evaluation + Testing
  Our team of experienced medical professionals will carefully examine your tick bite to assess any potential risks.
• Treatment + Preventative Care
  If you're at risk for Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses, we’ll provide the necessary treatments, such as antibiotics or preventive measures.
• Tick Removal
  We ensure proper and safe removal of the tick to minimize the risk of infection.
• Post-Bite Monitoring
  We’ll provide guidance on what symptoms to watch for in the days following your bite, helping you catch any issues early.
• Referral to research studies

Research Studies

Research studies are being conducted at Mass General Brigham with the goal of developing better methods of diagnosing, treating, and preventing Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in human. Learn more about our ongoing research efforts.

Tick Bite Information

How to Spot a Tick Bite

Tick bites are usually small, and the tick itself might not be visible immediately. Common signs of a tick bite include:

• A red spot or rash at the site of the bite
• Swelling or irritation
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or muscle aches (especially after 3–30 days)

If you suspect you’ve been bitten by a tick and are experiencing symptoms described above please call us to see if you should be evaluated.

What to Do if You've Been Bitten

• Don’t Panic: Most tick bites are harmless, but it’s essential to act quickly.
• Remove the Tick Safely: If you’re unsure how to remove it, visit our clinic, where we’ll handle it for you.
• Keep the Tick (if possible): This may help to identify the type of tick that bit you.
• Monitor Your Health: Watch for signs of illness in the weeks following the bite, such as fever or rashes.

Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of tick bites, consider the following preventive measures:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or walking in wooded areas.
• Use insect repellent that contains DEET.
• Perform tick checks after spending time outdoors.
• Keep your yard tick-free by maintaining your lawn and trimming back overgrown bushes.