Lyme Disease Prevention And Treatment

KENT — Dr Fred Browne, Infectious Disease Specialist at New Milford Hospital, will speak on lyme disease, its prevention and treatment, on Wednesday, May 14, at Backcountry Outfitters. Also speaking will be Gerri Rodda, RN and author of the children’s book Lyme in Rhyme. The program begins at 7 pm.

Lyme disease was first diagnosed in children from Lyme, Conn., in 1982. A group of mothers, comparing notes, discovered each other’s children all were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This unusual grouping led researchers to the identification of the bacterial infection, what is now known as lyme disease. Left untreated, lyme can cause many complications, some severe, in the skin, joint, heart and nervous system.

Dr Browne will discuss the type of tick that carries the disease and how to avoid becoming a victim. He will also explain the various signs and symptoms that occurs when infected and what to do.

Gerri Rodda, RN, has written a book about lyme disease in rhythmic format. It is an instrumental tool for educating younger children about ticks, the symptoms, and communicating with parents, teachers and other adults about exposure. Books will be available for sale and will be signed by the author, following the program.

The program is free. Backcountry Outfitters is at 5 Bridge Street in Kent. Call 860-927-3377 for more information.