Lyme Disease: Learn What's Being Done To Fight It

WALL, NJ — The arrival of the summer season brings with it lots of outdoor activities at the Shore — and some of those activities can increase the exposure to ticks and potentially, Lyme disease.

As rates of Lyme disease have risen sharply in the last few years in New Jersey — an NJ.com report said there were more than 5,000 cases reported in the state in 2017, including 550 in Monmouth County and 302 in Ocean County — efforts are being made to try to combat the illness and the ticks that carry it.

To make matters worse, the tick population is expected to boom this year, thanks to the rainy weather that plagued 2018. Read more: Tick Surge Possible In NJ This Spring, Experts Warn

The state Department of Health explains Lyme disease is caused by bacteria carried by ticks. Symptoms may include a rash that looks like a bulls-eye, tiredness, fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches, and joint pain. If left untreated, infected persons may develop arthritis, nervous system problems, and heart problems. If treated early, antibiotic therapy is generally effective.

To prevent Lyme disease, it is important to avoid tick bites. Examples of prevention measures includes avoiding wooded areas with dense shrubs and leaf litter, wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, performing tick checks and by mowing lawns and keeping shrubs trimmed.

So what is being done to combat Lyme disease? An informational town meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 29, will address efforts being made and obstacles to tackling the issue.

The town hall is being led by Rep. Chris Smith the 4th District and will include a panel of experts who will discuss medical research and development on Lyme disease, barriers to progress for the fight against the disease, and legislative efforts. The panel discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

The town hall will be held in the community room at the Wall Township municipal building, 2700 Allaire Road, Wall.

Due to limited seating, register to attend the event; click here for more information.

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