May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, an illness spread by tick bites that can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated (and the painless bites often go unnoticed), it can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, heart and eyes. It is currently the fastest-growing vector-borne illness in the U.S.
Ticks are most likely to be in woods, tall brush/grass, under leaves and low growing vegetation, near stone walls or wood piles, shady areas, around bird feeders and outside pet areas. Products containing DEET can reduce risk of bites in high-risk areas.
Websites: www.cdc.gov/lyme, www.lymediseaseassociation.org, www.txlymealliance.org
