Which of the following is a common early symptom of Lyme disease?

Erythema chronicum migrans is indeed a common early symptom of Lyme disease. This specific skin rash typically appears at the site of the tick bite and is often described as a "bull's-eye" lesion, with a central red spot surrounded by a clearer ring and then a more extensive red area. This rash is a hallmark sign of early Lyme disease and usually develops within 3 to 30 days after being bitten by an infected tick.

In contrast, while fever, joint problems, and nausea can also occur with Lyme disease, they are not specifically characteristic of its early stage or diagnostic for the disease in the same way that erythema chronicum migrans is. Fever and fatigue may be present in many infections, which makes them less distinctive. Joint problems and nausea can arise later in the illness or may not occur at all in some patients. In clinical practice, the presence of erythema chronicum migrans is a critical indicator for the diagnosis of early Lyme disease, which underscores its relevance as a symptom.