The Madrid City Council has announced that the iconic Neptune Fountain will feature special green lighting on Sunday night. This initiative aims to commemorate World Lyme Disease Day and raise public awareness about this tick-borne pathology.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. It can lead to a multisystemic clinical picture that initially affects the skin and can progress to rheumatic, neurological, and cardiac conditions.

In Spain, the risk of contagion increases during spring and summer, periods of peak tick activity. The bite is usually painless and often goes unnoticed, making early detection difficult.

In case of a potential bite, experts recommend removing the tick with tweezers and preserving it for later analysis if subsequent clinical symptoms appear. Early diagnosis and adequate medical follow-up are crucial to prevent long-term complications.