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Special Thanks to Legislators Ed Romaine and Jay Schneiderman for their 2007 Resolution that  designates May as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month” in Suffolk County.  Thanks also to the Suffolk County Executive, Steve Levy and to the Suffolk County legislators.

May 2008

	NEWS BULLETIN SUFFOLK COUNTY DEPARTMENT of CIVIL SERVICE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION PO Box 6100 Building 158 - North County Complex Hauppauge , New York 11788-0099 (631) 853-4402 STEVE LEVY                                                               ALAN SCHNEIDER Suffolk County Executive                                             Personnel Director

For Your Information from Suffolk County Department of Health Services

Dr. Humayun J. Chaudhry, D.O., M.S., Commissioner

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Suffolk County

In 2007, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy signed a resolution introduced by Legislators Romaine and Schneiderman that designates May as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month” in Suffolk County .

Lyme disease is a serious tick-borne illness, which is endemic in New York and is a nationally recognized health problem.  It strikes people of all ages, making the need for research and public information regarding its origin, prevention, treatment and control a priority among medical professionals.

Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (deer tick). Ticks become active once the daytime temperature/weather stays above freezing (even if it still below freezing at night.)  In tick prone areas, any contact with vegetation, even playing in the yard, can result in exposure to ticks.

The most noticeable sign of Lyme disease is a rash resembling a bull’s-eye, or solid patch, which usually, but not always, develops between 3 and 30 days after the tick bite.  The rash often expands over time and can last for several weeks.  In some cases, no rash appears, while in other cases, there are multiple rashes.  The rash does not normally itch or feel painful.

Other symptoms of early Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches and joint pain.  If you notice these signs or symptoms, consult a health care provider immediately.

Dr. Chaudhry D.O., M.S, Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Health Services said, “One of the most effective ways to avoid Lyme disease is to check your body for ticks at the end of each day.  Check your entire body, paying particular attention to the backs of knees, groin area, behind the ears, the scalp area, armpits and your back.”  

For more information contact the county’s Division of Public Health at (631) 853-3055 or go to the county health department’s website www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health. You can also visit the New York State Department of Health’s website at www.health.state.ny.us, which can be accessed from the county web site . 

We extend many thanks and much gratitude to our Suffolk County Legislator Ed Romaine for understanding our plight and for hosting the Lyme Disease Town Hall Meeting in Riverhead which was held on August 30, 2007 please see: