Pitt researcher to speak at Lyme disease meeting
A Lyme disease meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Citizens Library in Washington.
Dr. Danielle Tufts, a Lyme disease researcher at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health, will discuss the prevalence and risk of Lyme disease in the area. Tufts is an assistant professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.
Information has been collected from more than 70 Washington area residents who have been infected with Lyme, with a goal of aiding Tufts’ studies.
Additionally, Tufts is collecting data on how farm animals are affected, and would like to connect with local farmers who are willing to have their fields tested for the presence of ticks.
Lyme disease is highly prevalent among horses in Pennsylvania, with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture reporting that more than 77% of tested horses show exposure to the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences, with hopes of adding to the bigger picture of Lyme disease in Southwestern Pennsylvania. For additional information, contact Citizens Library at 724-222-2400, ext. 222, or Sandy Mansmann at s_mann41@hotmail.com.