In conjunction with National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Mayor Paul Voelker signed a proclamation recently declaring May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Richardson. He was joined at the signing by Kristina Bauer, a Richardson resident and Lyme disease survivor who is the Executive Director of the Texas Lyme Alliance. Bauer works tirelessly to get the word out about Lyme disease, as it also has a congenital form and has affected her two children.

Lyme disease is the fastest-growing vector-borne illness in the U.S. and 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.

Here are some prevention tips from the Lyme Disease Association:

  • Know where to expect ticks and be aware in high risk habitats. Ticks are most likely to be in woods, tall brush/grass, under leaves, under ground cover (low growing vegetation), near stone walls or wood piles, shady areas, around bird feeders and outside pet areas.
  • When in high-risk areas, consider using DEET-containing products for skin and permethrin for clothes
  • Do “tick checks” on yourself and pets and continue the checks 2-3 days after outdoor activities

Website: www.lymediseaseassociation.org
Website: www.texaslymealliance.net