May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.  In recognition of that, the Danbury Commissioner for Persons with disAbilities has held their annual health fair.  The theme of this year's conference, the ninth annual, was about symptoms and solutions.  Lyme Disease was discovered in Connecticut some 40 years ago. 

May was chosen nationally as the time to highlight Lyme Disease because of the start of the outdoor summer season.  The Commission say this is the best time to share information about staying protected from ticks. 

Lyme Disease has become one of the fastest growing epidemics, with the number of cases in the United States numbering 300,000 a year.  That figure is the latest estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The Connecticut General Assembly is considering a bill this session dealing with prevention and education.  Greater Danbury area officials tout the BLAST model for preventing Lyme Disease.  BLAST is an acronym.  The first step is to BATHE or shower immediately after coming in from outdoors.  Next is to LOOK for ticks and rashes.  The APPLY repellents followed by SPRAY your yard.  Last is TREAT pets to prevent tick bites.