By Janice Llanes Fabry

At F.E. Bellows School’s fourth annual health and wellness Crunchy Carnival, a new program was introduced. The “Take a Bite Out of Lyme” challenge had the kids biting a lime to drive home salient points. Rye Neck is committed to curbing the incidence of the disease in the community.

“We know we have a deer problem in our area, so it’s important for families to be mindful and to learn how to protect themselves,” said Bellows Health and Wellness Chair Danielle Tagger-Epstein. “Kids should know how to do a tick check themselves.”

Lyme disease is an infection transmitted by the bite of a deer tick infected with the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium; 80 percent of all cases are reported in the Northeast. Many infections occur within backyards bordered by deer-inhabited woods. In addition, birds, mice, and pets may have deer ticks attached to them. So if you notice signs of a mice infestation in your property, it is advised to contact a mice control or rodent removal company at once. It is advisable not to attempt to address your pest or wildlife infestation problem to avoid the danger of bites and disease. Instead, hire pest and wildlife control experts who use a safe and effective method of controlling and removing a wide range of unwanted visitors.

These miniscule ticks can cause major health problems. What may start out as a rash, with or without the distinctive bull’s eye, can result in paralysis or severe neurological symptoms if not treated expeditiously with antibiotics.

“Early detection is key,” warned Tagger-Epstein, who is also a Greenhaven Deer Task Committee member. “The longer the Lyme sits in you, the more damage, so call a doctor right away and be aware it’s not always easily diagnosed.”

She cautions families that although one is vulnerable all-year round, it’s especially critical at this time of year when kids spend more time outdoors and are off to summer camps. “Tick bites are usually painless, so don’t wait to feel a bite before checking,” she noted.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, thorough full-body tick checks should be conducted using a hand-held mirror. Other prevention measures include avoiding wooded areas with high grass and leaf litter, as well as being vigilant about clothing, whether tucking pant legs into socks or pre-treating clothes with an effective tick repellent.

For more information on avoiding ticks, tick removal, and Lyme disease, visit lymediseasechallenge.org.