Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Lyme Disease Awareness Month is observed every May internationally, especially in countries where Lyme disease is common.[2][3] Lyme disease is caused by a tick-borne parasite, and Lyme Disease Awareness Month includes initiatives aimed at prevention and early identification of possible Lyme disease cases.[3][4][5]

Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Lime green awareness ribbon
Observed byCanada, United States, and others
Liturgical colorlime green
TypeInternational
DateMay
Frequencyannual
First time1980s[1]
Related toLyme Disease Awareness Day - May 1

Lyme disease cases edit

Cases of Lyme disease have been rapidly increasing in recent years,[6] which is expected to continue.[7] In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control reported that Lyme disease was the fifth most common of a list of nationally notifiable diseases in the United States.[8] Both public awareness campaigns and healthcare provider campaigns exist that aim to reduce the incidence of Lyme disease.[4]

Lyme disease observances edit

Lyme Disease Awareness Month is observed during May in Canada[9] and the United States,[2][10][3][8] and also in other countries where Lyme disease is common.[11][1] Lyme Disease Awareness Day is also observed on May 1 every year.[12] During May, Lyme disease prevention, awareness or research may also be discussed in parliaments or senates.[9][2]

Lyme disease information including and prevention tips are reported in local and national news in affected regions, with some organizations providing digital media toolkits.[5][13]

Events edit

Public buildings or landmarks like Niagara Falls are often lit up in lime green for Lyme Disease Awareness Month[14] or World Lyme Disease Day, which is also during May.[15] Lime green ribbons are used to raise awareness of Lyme disease.[16]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Hamilton, Robert A. (1987-05-03). "Lyme Disease Spreads North". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  2. ^ a b c "May is "Lyme Disease Awareness Month"". NY State Senate. 2019-05-06. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  3. ^ a b c OADC/DNEM. "CDC Online Newsroom - Statement: May 20, 2011". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2020-08-08.
  4. ^ a b Gibson, Caitlin (2015-05-19). "With arrival of tick season, heightened efforts to prevent Lyme disease". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  5. ^ a b CDC newsroom (2019-04-22). "Prevention is key in fight against Lyme and other tickborne diseases". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2020-08-08.
  6. ^ Sharareh, Nasser; Sabounchi, Nasim S.; Roome, Amanda; Spathis, Rita; Garruto, Ralph M. (2017). "Model-based risk assessment and public health analysis to prevent Lyme disease". Royal Society Open Science. 4 (11): 170841. doi:10.1098/rsos.170841. PMC 5717649. PMID 29291075.
  7. ^ Dumler, Stephen; Elman, Noel; Smith, Rebecca (2015-05-06). "Lyme Disease Awareness Month – Spotlight on TBDRP FY18 Lyme Disease Initiatives". Congressional Directed Research Programmes. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  8. ^ a b "Announcements: Lyme Disease Awareness Month — May 2015". Centers for Disease Control. Retrieved 2020-08-08.
  9. ^ a b "Hansard Transcripts 2017-May-04 | Legislative Assembly of Ontario". www.ola.org. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  10. ^ "Council declares May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month". Municipality of Pictou County. Retrieved 2020-06-18.
  11. ^ "Lyme Disease Awareness at Ness Bridge - whatsonhighlands". whatsonhighlands.com. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  12. ^ Floyd, Patricia A.; Mimms, Sandra E.; Yelding, Caroline (2007-06-25). Personal Health: Perspectives and Lifestyles. Cengage Learning. p. 528. ISBN 978-1-111-79891-8.
  13. ^ Gilmour, Jared; Sweeney, Don (2019-05-30). "CDC freaks people out by hiding ticks on a lemon poppy seed muffin — again". Miami Herald. Retrieved 2020-08-08.
  14. ^ "Special lighting at Blackpool to highlight Lyme disease". ITV News. 8 May 2019. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  15. ^ "Langevin Bridge Will Go Green for Lyme Awareness". CBC News. 18 May 2013.
  16. ^ "Awareness Ribbons Chart: Color and Meaning of Awareness Ribbon Causes". Disabled World. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 2020-08-08.