FREEHOLD, NJ – On May 23 the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders designated the month of May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month to draw attention to the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment of this continuing health problem.

 

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread by certain arthropods, primarily ticks carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, that has caused a significant public health problem in New Jersey.
 
“Lyme disease is difficult to diagnose because it imitates other conditions, but there are early indicators of infection,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso. “Our residents need to be aware of the threat of Lyme disease and learn the indicators of and precautions against Lyme.”

Early indicators of Lyme disease may include an expanding red rash, flu-like symptoms characterized by chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes.

 

In its later stages, Lyme disease can result in neurological disorders, chronic and severe fatigue, encephalitis, meningitis, memory loss, dementia and seizures, severe arthritis, cardiac dysfunction, vision loss, gastrointestinal disorders, paralysis and stroke.

 

“There are steps that residents can take in order to protect themselves and their families,” said DiMaso. “Taking precautionary measures such as using insect repellent, avoiding sitting on logs and leaning on trees, tucking hair in a hat and long pants into socks, wearing closed shoes and long sleeves, and performing tick checks immediately after outdoor activity can help to prevent Lyme disease.”

 

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders noted that with increased public awareness, public health officials can help to combat this problem by encouraging the prevention of the disease and ensuring its early detection and proper treatment.