The weather is warming and more and more people, especially children, are heading out to the woodlands to enjoy The Great Outdoors.
In 2013 there were over 35,000 cases of Lyme disease in the United States. Reported cases of Lyme disease are most common among boys aged 5-9.
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash. Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Steps to prevent Lyme disease include using insect repellent, removing ticks promptly.
Applying pesticides, and reducing the tick’s habitat also lessen the spread of Lyme disease and other bacteria.
Learn about Lyme disease and how to prevent it to protect you and your family.
Visit http://www.cdc.gov/Lyme/ to learn more.
You can also download this useful Lyme Disease brochure from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
