May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

The Township Council approved a proclamation Monday declaring it Lyme Disease Awareness month.

“My daughter had Lyme Disease. It’s in our area and it’s very prevalent,” said Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin. “Sometimes the cases result in long term disabilities, so it’s very important.”

According to the resolution, the number of cases in New Jersey during 2009 reached 4,973, with 183 cases in Middlesex County. The disease is carried by the deer tick, which hitches “rides” from the tall grass that it calls home on the backs of animals such as deer, dogs and rodents. Early indicators are a “bullseye” rash around the bite area, and flu-like symptoms characterized by chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes.

Last year, Lyme Quest support group, in conjunction with the East Brunswick Public library, showed the Lyme film, “Under Our Skin” to more than 300 people in the area.

The proclamation also encourages people to take preventative measures and seek medical treatment if they suspect they have been in contact with the disease.

Some tips to stay safe during the spring and summer months include walking in the middle of trails and to avoid sitting on logs and leaning on trees; wearing a hat with your hair tucked in if possible; wearing wear shoes, don’t bare feet or sandals; wearing long pants tucked into high socks or duct tape around the pants; using Deet for skin and permethrin for clothes; wearing white or light-colored clothing to make it easier to see ticks; doing tick checks immediately and three days after outdoor activity; and, if you find a tick, asking someone to remove it carefully and save it. Ticks can be saved in a container and brought to a doctor to be checked for Lyme Disease.

For more information visit the Lyme Disease Association at www.lymediseaseassociation.org.