We’ve all learned a lot about how to protect ourselves from diseases this past year. Social distancing, hand washing, masking, and eventually vaccinations helped keep us safer from Covid. But what about other preventive measures?
Tick-borne illnesses are, pardon the medical jargon, nasty!
The most common tick-borne diseases in Massachusetts are Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. (Tick-borne Diseases, Massachusetts DOH). A recent Northeastern University article states that experts estimate that 87,000 people per year in Massachusetts are infected with the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. Anecdotally, I know of several people who have come down with Lyme disease here in Bedford.
With all that, I found a poll, (albeit national) that indicates very few people actually check themselves regularly for ticks after they go outside.
So, what is Bedford Thinking? Do you check yourself for ticks?
Ready to be counted? Vote in the poll until noon next Saturday. You’ll find the poll on The Citizen’s main page, or by scrolling on your phone or tablet
Loading ...
