What symptom may appear 2-4 days after being bitten by an infected tick?

A rash can be an indicative symptom appearing 2-4 days after being bitten by an infected tick, particularly in the case of diseases like Lyme disease, which is transmitted by certain ticks. Following the initial bite, it is common for a characteristic erythema migrans rash to develop, which often resembles a "bull's-eye" pattern. This symptom is critical for diagnosis and can help in initiating timely treatment to prevent more severe complications.

In contrast, symptoms such as vomiting, hives, and persistent coughing are typically not associated with tick-borne illnesses in the early stages following a tick bite. Vomiting may suggest another type of infection or an allergic reaction, while hives are indicative of an allergic response that may not directly relate to tick bites. Persistent coughing is usually associated with respiratory conditions and does not correlate with the typical responses to tick-borne diseases. Thus, recognizing the rash as a symptom helps in understanding the potential consequences of tick exposure.