by Leah Robins
5/9/2013

Legislators, exhibitors and disease advocates were on hand for the day-long forum that sought to raise awareness about the disease and prevention methods.

“We’re just now at the beginning of tick season, with the highest number of cases last year reported from May – August, so now is the time for us all to pay attention to ticks—prevention starts with each one of us,” said Representative Dykema.

The number of Lyme disease cases is rising across Massachusetts.  From 1999 – 2009, the number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease in the Commonwealth grew by 500%, over 4,000 new cases of Lyme disease were reported in 2009.

Representative Dykema was appointed to serve on a comprehensive special commission, chaired by fellow MetroWest legislator Representative David Linsky, that conducted an investigation and study of the incidence and impacts of Lyme disease in the Commonwealth.  The yearlong commission completed their report in February of this year.  A copy can be found here. 

Earlier this year, Representative Dykema also filed legislation that would allow municipalities to opt into a new integrated pest management program to be offered by reclamation and mosquito control boards.  This would begin to create a more centralized location which is responsible for tick management to prevent the spread of the disease.

To learn about Lyme disease and Lyme disease prevention:

·         Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/

·         International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society www.iliads.org

·         Massachusetts Department of Public Health www.mass.gov/dph/tick

·         UMass Extension Tick Assessment Lab www.umass.edu/tick