High temperature after a bite or sting
A high temperature (38°C or above) developing hours or days after a bite or sting can be a sign of infection at the bite site or, rarely, a tick-borne illness such as Lyme disease. Anything from a heavily inflamed bite through to a rapidly spreading infection needs to be assessed.
When to get medical help
Use NHS 111 online, call 111, or contact your GP if:
- A fever within days of a tick bite — even without a rash
- A red rash that looks like a bull’s-eye (a widening ring) around a bite — could be Lyme disease
- Swelling and redness spreading away from the bite
- Feeling generally unwell after a bite or sting
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a fever with confusion, severe pain, a rapidly spreading red area, a stiff neck, or you feel very unwell — this can indicate a serious infection.
Further information
This page provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.