May 18: Event to raise Lyme disease awareness

In conjunction with Lyme Disease Awareness Month, the Alabama Lyme Disease Association will hold an awareness event at Veterans Park on May 18. The festivities will take place at the new pavilion near the playground starting at 10 a.m.

With the warm summer months ahead, it is important for our community to be aware of the possibility of contracting this disease, according to event organizer Carrye Hodges said. She believes the public needs to know that Lyme disease is not just a disease in the Northeast but it is thriving in Alabama, too.

Lyme disease is a spirochetal infection that is transmitted from a tick. It is known as the “great imitator” because it can present as many other diseases such as fibromyalgia, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. The CDC recognizes that Lyme disease is the number one growing vector-borne disease. 

The current testing physicians use for the disease are admittedly inaccurate, and many people do not suspect that they have Lyme disease. Not everyone gets the classic bulls-eye rash, and many admit they never remember getting a tick-bite. Those with early stage Lyme disease generally have flu-like symptoms such fever, chills, joint pain and swelling. As the disease progresses, patients develop a constellation of symptoms that can include extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment and neurological pain. 

No registration for the event is required, and the event is free of charge, although donations of any amount are welcomed. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. For more information and T-shirt order forms, visit alabamalymedisease.org or find Alabama Lyme Disease on Facebook.