Lyme disease is one of the most commonly reportable diseases in Maplewood. The Maplewood Health Department asks that residents take special care when hiking or walking in the woods, such as in the South Mountain Reservation.

Lyme Disease is transmitted to humans through bacteria from the bite of an infected black-legged tick (also called a deer tick). The ticks, about the size of a poppy seed, cling to grasses and plants and attach themselves to people as they brush by. The ticks then burrow in hard-to-see places, like behind the ears and in the armpits and groin area.

It is very important to keep vigilant and follow these guidelines to prevent tick borne infections when you are outdoors, which may include just being in your backyard/garden if you are adjacent to a wooded area:

• Beware bare skin. Don’t make it easy for ticks to bite you. Wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, socks and sturdy shoes when tromping through forested areas. Use repellents with DEET on exposed skin and clothing.
• Dry your clothes before washing. If you’ve been outside, take off your clothes and throw them in the dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes . Washing, even in hot water, won’t kill ticks, but baking them in a hot dryer will do the trick.
• Check yourself every day for ticks. Don’t forget to check the places they like to hide, including behind the ears, on the scalp, and the armpits and groin.
• If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. Use tweezers and grab it as close to your skin as possible. Pull upward with a steady even pressure.
• If you think you may have been bitten, be on the lookout for a red rash that slowly gets larger — sometimes resulting in a bull’s eye shape — as well as flu-like symptoms and joint pain. 

If you start to have any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see a doctor. The sooner treatment gets started, the better your chances of recovery.

This CDC site has helpful information about testing, treatment, and other useful tips.

The NJDOH Communicable Disease Service (CDS) also offers free tickborne disease resources on the Fight the Bite, NJ! page.