ABClatino Magazine Year 5 Issue 6 | Page 13

Gracias / Thanks: Borealis Philanthropy

Lyme Disease

Interview with

Alison Kaufman, DVM, MPH

Public Health Advisor

Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health In English with Spanish subtitles)

How do I prevent tick bites?

- Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter

- Walk in the center of trails

- Use tick repellents

- Bathe or shower within two hours after coming indoors to wash off and more

easily find ticks that are crawling on you

- Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour to kill remaining ticks

- Examine gear and pets

- Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for

an hour to kill remaining ticks.

What Is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria transmitted by the deer tick. Early symptoms of the illness include: flu-like symptoms; an expanding, circular rash; fatigue; and body aches.

Who is at risk of being bitten by deer ticks?

Anyone who lives or works near wooded or grassy areas in the Hudson Valley is at risk. Activities such as hiking, gardening, and hunting, (as well as some occupations), may also expose you to tick bites.

http://servicios.abclatino.com/health

For more info on Lyme Disease

Alessandra González is a Puerto Rican woman who has been living in the Hudson Valley for 10 years. She is an insurance consultant and also a Latin music singer.

At the age of 22, a little after coming to this region, she discovered she had Lyme disease. Watch the interview to learn more about her story.

Life Story

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