National Lyme Disease Awareness Month dedicates the entire month of May to educating the public about prevention, symptoms, and treatment. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from tick bites, get tested if exposed, and support vital research. Take action this May to spread awareness and reduce the risk of Lyme disease.
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Expected National Lyme Disease Awareness Month Deals
Throughout National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, expect to see various organizations and brands focus on education and fundraising rather than commercial deals. The Lyme Disease Association (LDA) and Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) typically lead campaigns, encouraging donations for research and patient support. Corporate partners like Sawyer Products and Off! often highlight their tick repellent lines, sometimes offering special bundles or donating a portion of sales to awareness initiatives. Outdoor retailers such as REI may host educational workshops on tick safety and promote protective clothing. Local health departments and medical practices might offer free informational sessions or discounted tick-testing services. We will update this page with confirmed live events and campaigns as May approaches, directing readers to official sites for verified information and ways to contribute.
Platform Guide for National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #LymeAwarenessMonth. Share infographics on tick prevention, personal stories, or photos of outdoor activities with proper protection.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #LymeDiseaseAwareness. Post educational videos, host Q&A sessions with experts, or share links to reputable resources.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #LymeDisease. Amplify research findings, retweet prevention tips from health organizations, or share news about advocacy efforts.
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month Hero
Dr. Willy Burgdorfer
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month timeline
The FDA grants Lyme disease vaccine candidate VLA15 "fast track designation" — allowing for further research and development.
LYMERix is withdrawn from the market because of poor sales, originally due to lack of reimbursement by insurance companies and then to rumors about adverse effects. Despite a lack of evidence that the vaccine's to blame, sales plummet.
SmithKline Beecham develops LYMERix, the first and only licensed vaccine against Lyme disease. Given in a three-dose series, the vaccine stimulates antibodies that attack the Lyme bacteria in the tick’s gut before it enters the body. This was about 78% effective in protecting against Lyme infection.
Lyme disease is diagnosed as a separate condition for the first time in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month FAQs
When is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month?
In 2027, National Lyme Disease Awareness Month again takes place throughout May, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance and public health outreach against Lyme disease.
How many people get Lyme disease each year?
The CDC estimates nearly half a million new Lyme disease cases occur each year in the United States, highlighting the pervasive threat of tick bites and the importance of prevention.
Where is Lyme disease most prevalent?
While found across the U.S., the highest incidence of Lyme disease cases is typically reported in the northeastern states, underscoring regional risks and the need for localized awareness.
What are the early symptoms of Lyme disease?
The hallmark sign of early Lyme disease is the erythema migrans rash, which typically expands over several days, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as body aches and fatigue.
How to Observe National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Make your home “tick free”
Create a “tick free” zone with an inner area that is well manicured. Mowing the lawn and shearing the hedges will keep the tick habitat away from your home during National Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Go for a hike…safely
If going for a hike, stay away from the high grass and brush that may be on the edges of your hiking trail. In addition, cover up exposed skin as an extra precaution.
Perform a “tick check”
The most important thing is to get ticks off of you before they attach and have the chance to transmit Lyme disease. Physical and visual Inspections are necessary practices for finding ticks. Especially important areas to check for ticks include behind the knees, under the armpits, and the scalp.
5 Facts About Lyme Disease That Have Us Bugged Out
You can only get Lyme disease from a tick bite
There is no evidence that Lyme disease can be transmitted from person to person, or directly from an another animal, according to the CDC.
Lyme disease doesn't go away in all cases, even with treatment
There are some cases of Lyme disease that persist, known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The CDC says this affects 10 to 20 percent of Lyme disease patients.
Lyme disease is a tick’s favorite disease
Lyme disease is the most common disease spread by ticks in the Northern Hemisphere. It is estimated to affect 300,000 people a year in the US.
Not all ticks carry Lyme disease
Blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are the specific species of tick that carry Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is everywhere
Lyme disease is a worldwide infectious disease and has been reported in all 50 states. Additionally, Lyme disease had been found on every continent except Antarctica.
Why National Lyme Disease Awareness Month is Important
It affects activities we love, so fight back with awareness
You're more likely to get Lyme disease if you live or spend time in grassy and/or heavily wooded areas. Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and hunting occur in these spots where ticks thrive. Be aware of the risks, take the necessary precautions, and you can still enjoy all your favorite activities.
Being proactive is your protection
By adequately protecting yourself, you can eliminate Lyme disease before it begins. If you cover up exposed skin, use insect repellant, routinely check your body for ticks, and maintain a well-manicured yard — Lyme disease will be kept away.
Knowing early is the key
Lyme disease can be cured much more easily if found in its early stages. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to patients for 2 to 3 weeks when Lyme disease is diagnosed, and in up to 90% of cases, the antibiotics cure the infection.
Social Media Tips for National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
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