Each year more than 300,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Lyme disease, which is not always easy to diagnose or treat. There is also no vaccine for this disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Lyme can range from a rash, flu-like symptoms, and joint pain to neurological problems, heart issues, eye inflammation, and more. Treatments include long-term use of some pretty serious antibiotics, that can cause issues of their own.

The Hudson Valley has been hit particularly hard by tick-borne illnesses, so the news that the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook has been awarded a $5 million leadership grant, by the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, for a study to help reduce Lyme disease in neighborhoods is great news indeed.

This study will be done in partnership with Bard College with collaboration by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the NY State Department of Health, and the Dutchess County Behavioral and Community Health. If this study is successful it could revolutionize Lyme disease prevention.

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