Avoiding Lyme Disease while enjoying the great outdoors

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – With the unofficial start of summer on the way this weekend, more and more people will be enjoying the great outdoors, but that comes with some risks.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and health experts are taking the time to remind people of what precautions to take as they head out into the wilderness.

Increased time outdoors also means an increased risk for contracting the disease from infected ticks, and if not caught early can lead to significant complications.

“The longer we go without treatment, the more chance there is of lyme spreading to other parts of the body and becoming more disseminated. We occasionally see people coming down with a swollen or painful knee, or even sometimes a facial droop like you see in a stroke,” Dr. Arvish Nagpal with Sanford Health said.

Dr. Nagpal adds that if you’re spending any time in wooded areas that you use insect repellents, and make sure to check any exposed skin for ticks, but don’t let it stop you from getting out and enjoying the warm weather.