May 10, 1999

SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Public Health, in cooperation with the Lyme Disease Foundation (LDF), is sponsoring a community education program on the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease on Thursday, May 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rosemont Convention Center.

The program is one of a series of activities scheduled across the nation in observance of May as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of an infected tick. Left untreated, the disease can damage the central nervous system, heart and other major organ systems, and can cause arthritis-like symptoms.

The program will feature Karen Vanderhoof Forschner, founder of the LDF and author of Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease. Anthony L. Lionetti, M.D., medical director of the Lyme Disease Diagnostic Center and a member of the PLDF medical/scientific advisory panel, and Maria Picken, M.D., a researcher at Loyola University Medical Center, also will speak.

"This is the time of year when people begin to participate in more outdoor activities," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "Tick bites can transmit not only Lyme disease, but a number of other serious illnesses. People need to be aware of measures they can take to avoid tick bites, and know when to seek appropriate medical attention. We are pleased to be able to co-sponsor this program as part of our continuing effort to inform the public and health care providers about tick-borne diseases."

"One of the Lyme Disease Foundation's main objectives is to facilitate prevention through public awareness," Forschner said. "This community education program will travel coast to coast to help achieve that goal. We are pleased that the Department of Public Health has once again partnered with us to help make the public aware of the facts about Lyme disease." The speakers will be available to answer questions from the public on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease. There is no charge for the event, and the public is encouraged to attend. The Rosemont Convention Center is located on River Road in Rosemont.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Fact sheets ("HealthBeats") on Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia are available on the Department's Web site at http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb.htm or by calling 217-782-5750.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments