*Information is aggregated from multiple sources and fact-checked by Dr. Yasin

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are nearly 325,000 new cases each year—making Lyme disease an epidemic larger than AIDS, West Nile Virus, and Avian Flu combined.

• The Tristate area of Sussex, Orange and Pike counties are in the geographical bulls-eye of tick-born illnesses.

• According to the state Department of Health, there were 3,320 knowncases of Lyme disease in New Jersey in 2010. Almost ten times that go undiagnosed.

• Lyme disease is one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the United States. Reported cases have more than doubled since the CDC began recording cases in 1991.

• April to November are the months of greatest risk to contract Lyme disease

• Many cases of Lyme leave no bulls-eye rash which makes it very difficult to diagnose requiring expert care

• If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause permanent neurological and cardiovascular damage and arthritis

Symptoms of early localized Lyme disease begin days or weeks after infection. They are similar to the flu and may include:

Symptoms of early disseminated Lyme disease may occur weeks to months after the initial tick bite. They may include:

Symptoms of late disseminated Lyme disease can occur months or years after the initial infection. The most common symptoms are muscle and joint pain. Other symptoms may include:

University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Research Center: http://www.tickencounter.org/

MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/lyme_disease/article.htm

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/factsheets/LymeDisease.htm

The Huffington Post:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leo-galland-md/lyme-disease-symptoms_b_876096.html