Lyme Disease Could Be a Health Issue in the Southern Tier

300,00 people are affected by Lyme disease every year.  According to lymedisease.org, Lyme disease "is a bacterial infection primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart."  People often have Lyme disease and not know they have it because it is so difficult to diagnose.

There is some concern that with the mild winter we have experienced in the Southern Tier, there will be more ticks present in the outdoors and therefore an increase of Lyme disease. A tick bite or nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed.  I've always heard the smaller the tick the more of a problem it becomes.

"Lyme disease affects people of all ages. The CDC notes that it is most common in children, older adults, and others such as firefighters and park rangers who spend time in outdoor activities and have higher exposure to ticks."

The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to do daily tick checks when you are outdoors.  Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can be applied to the skin and can protect up to several hours. Always follow product instructions.  There may also be some natural products that are earmarked for tick protection.

Binghamton University is holding a Lyme disease conference on May 7th at the BU Innovative Technology Complex, Saturday, May 7th from 8-6pm.  A number of guest speakers will be present along with screenings of "Under our Skin Emergence."

Southern Tier Lyme Support, Inc. presents "The Little Things," One Family's Battle with Lyme Disease on Sunday, May 8th at 11:30am at the African Road Elementary / Middle School Auditorium in Vestal.  The play was written by Vestal High School and Binghamton University Alumni Jeremy Davidson and directed by Mary Stuart Masterson.  Lyme Specialist and Author Dr. Richard Horowitz will host a special question and answer  session following the play,  For more information and to register for free tickets, click HERE.

[via LymeDisease.org]