What are the three stages of Lyme disease?

The three stages of Lyme disease are early localized Lyme disease, early disseminated infection and late persistent Lyme disease, according to WebMD. Different symptoms are typical of each stage.

Stage 1 of Lyme disease causes a rash at the infected area and disappears after four weeks. In stage 2 bacteria begins to spread throughout the body, causing symptoms such as chills, fever, sore throat, fatigue and muscle aches, according to Healthline. It occurs up to four months after infection. Stage 3 occurs when the infection was not treated in stages 1 and 2. Severe headaches, brain disorders, arthritis of the joints and disturbances in heart rhythm occur in stage 3.