May Is Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Info and Books to Read

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, a time to educate the public about this tick-borne illness affecting thousands of people yearly. By educating ourselves and taking precautions to prevent tick bites, we can work towards reducing the spread of Lyme disease and improving outcomes for those affected.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease reported each year in the United States. However, because many cases go unreported or undiagnosed, the actual number of cases is likely much higher.

Lyme disease can be a costly and complex illness, and many patients struggle to access the care they need. By raising awareness, we can work towards improving outcomes for Lyme disease patients.

HOW LYME DISEASE IS SPREAD

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (don’t click if you don’t like creepy crawlies.) These ticks are commonly found in wooded areas and can also be found in grassy and brushy areas.