Lyme Disease is caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue and a distinctive “bulls eye” shaped skin rash called erythema migrans. If not treated, Lyme disease can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.

Lyme disease was first recognized in Lyme, Connecticut in 1975 after an unusual outbreak of arthritis. Lyme disease cases are most frequently in Northeastern and upper Midwest states and rates continue to increase. In 2007, there were more than 300 new cases of Lyme disease in Montgomery County. Public health officials are working with the Parks Department and the County’s Recreation Department to educate the public about Lyme disease and how to prevent it.

Karen attended a Lyme Disease Press Conference in Silver Spring on Monday, April 21, 2008, with County Executive Ike Leggett, Park and Planning, Montgomery County Health Department and numerous volunteers who helped design and produce a Lyme Disease warning sign.

The county website for lyme disease is:

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhstmpl.asp?url=/content/hhs/lyme_disease.asp