Great prevention info from director of Columbia University Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research

From the director of Columbia University Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center:     Dear Friends of the Columbia University Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center:   Enjoy your July 4 outdoor activities but keep in mind that July is a very high risk month for Lyme disease.     Some ‘tick tips’: 1) Walk in the center of a trail in wooded areas; avoid high grass and bushes. 2) Check all areas of your body for ticks after being outdoors.   Check under your arms, behind ears, in groin and behind knees.   Check your children often. 3) Be aware of ‘free rides’ that ticks can get.   Check pets often and after being outdoors, wash and dry clothing at high temperatures.   The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station offers an extensive reference on ticks ‘Tick Management Handbook’ which includes information on how to control ticks around your home.   Two recently published articles in Pediatrics are highlighted in our Recent Abstract section.   Garro et al have developed a clinical prediction model to differentiate viral aseptic meningitis from Lyme meningitis.   Lab results to differentiate the conditions may not be available for days during which the physician must decide whether or not to treatment with IV antibiotics.   IV antibiotics are indicated for Lyme meningitis but not for viral meningitis.   Costello et al report a comprehensive descript ive study of 207 cases of Lyme carditis in children seen over a 14 year period.   They also examined predictive factors for Lyme carditis.   This large series of cases provides much needed information about the natural history of Lyme carditis in children.   This month we have responded to questions on the relationship between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Lyme disease, sexual transmission of Lyme, and an unusual means of diagnosis.   Visit our FAQ section to view our responses.   Our Lyme blood screening study will be carried out at community sites in Columbia and Dutchess Counties in New York, Connecticut, and Basking Ridge, New Jersey from July 12 through July 25 th .   We are recruiting people who currently have Lyme disease or who have persistent symptoms from previously diagnosed Lyme.   Please check our website for continual updates on times and locations.   The Columbia Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center would like to thank the Hampstead Middle School National Junior Honor Society for their generous contribution.   The students are donating the proceeds from their Lyme Awareness Week Walk in honor of fellow student, Victoria Arlen.       If you are able, consider joining our community of supporters for Lyme research by making a donation to the Center .   Your interest in Lyme and tick-borne diseases and the work of our Center is greatly appreciated.     Click on the FAQ section or go to http://asp.cumc.columbia.edu/lymedisease/askthedr/for_pt/faq.asp   for a great question and answer section on Lyme.