NATIONAL LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

NATIONAL LYME DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

National Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May is an excellent time to take precautions and learn the signs of Lyme disease.

With the spread of the disease to all 50 states, Lyme disease awareness, education, and early intervention are critical. Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 300,000 are diagnosed with Lyme disease. The contract it from the Ixodes ticks, which are also known as deer ticks or black-legged ticks. They cause a bacterial infection. Their habitat is wooded and grassy areas.

Depending on where you live, tick season can range from climate to climate, but they are active in the late summer, fall and during a mild winter for some regions.

How to Take Precautions

• Know when ticks are in season in your area.

• Wear light-colored clothing. It's easier to spot ticks and remove them.

• Wear long sleeves and pants to cover your skin.

• Stay to the center of trails. Avoid brushing up against brush and resting under trees.

• Keep your yard maintained and shrubs trimmed.

• After spending time outdoors, do a tick check. Check your pets, too.

• Use EPA registered insect repellants with DEET and follow instructions for safe use.

• Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Do you know how to remove a tick? Be prepared and learn the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease. If you have symptoms such as fever, chills, aches, and pain and were bitten by a tick, you should seek a diagnosis from a physician. Visit www.cdc.gov for more information. Use #LymeDiseaseAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

HISTORY

National Lyme Disease Awareness Month has been observed since the 1980s, primarily taking place during May when most of the country is entering tick season.