Stay Safe From Lyme Disease In Springfield This Summer

In 2014 there were 7,400 cases of Lyme disease reported in Pennsylvania, according to the PA Department of Health (DOH)

In 2013 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said the actual number of diagnosed cases was probably ten times the number of reported cases. That means over 74,000 people in PA may have been diagnosed with Lyme last year, according to DOH officials.

Free public information sessions have been made possible through a DOH grant focused on reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and several other diseases.

These sessions are being offered in Bucks and Montgomery counties. The next one is Wednesday, June 24 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St Peter’s Lutheran Church on 211 South Main Street in North Wales.

The DOH released the following facts about lyme disease:

• Pennsylvania is #1 in the country in reported cases of Lyme disease, and has cases have doubled, then tripled in the last 10 years
• Children, ages 5-14, are the most likely victims of Lyme disease, along with the elderly
• Summertime presents the highest risk period with all the outdoor activities but steps can be taken that GREATLY reduce your risk
• Having a pet, and not taking prevention steps, increases your risk of contracting Lyme disease significantly!
• Catching and treating Lyme and other tickborne diseases EARLY is the best way to avoid serious and potentially persistent infection
• The PA Department of Environmental Protection published a study this year reporting that Lyme disease carry ticks are in every county of PA

Free materials and refreshments will be provided at the events.

RSVP to: montcolyme@palyme.org