BOSTON

[Franky]

There are new concerns about Lyme disease in Massachusetts as the illness is showing up in rising numbers in certain counties.

"The Lyme numbers over the past few years are definitely growing. I think it's important for people to recognize that so people can take the proper precautions," said Dr. Bela Matyas, of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Lyme disease cases are down statewide -- 2,324 cases in 2006, compared with 2,437 in 2005. But Worcester County is up with 356 cases, Middlesex County reported 487 cases, Bristol County has 189 cases and the Berkshires are up to 77 cases from 72 cases last year.

Because it can't be spread person to person, doctors often delay reporting Lyme disease. Some doctors only report cases at the end of the year. The state Department of Public Health said once all the numbers are in, the latest numbers could top the previous year.

[ladycolorado]

franky sometime look at some of the lyme things put in this section alot of interesting stuff as you well know. i have even done a pretty cool video from good morning america. good to see you in here, (LC).

[Franky]

ladycolorado Oh I have been reading. Good info, very interesting. Just been trying to do more research on Lyme disease myself lately. I come to the site everyday, and try to post some info every few days. Right now I am in research mode for now. I think the extra Lyme disease info on the site would be very informative. I am trying to get some Lyme disease patients to help us out here.

[ladycolorado]

thanks franky, will be very interested to hear. since lyme hard to catch early (unless obvious) or caught too late, like me, i have been looking at folks who were not caught early and so on and so forth, as well as co infections. (LC).

[Tootsie]

My family is in Ma. and I will be visiting next month. We like to do lots of mountain climbing and hikes in the woods so I will be extra careful and on the lookout for ticks. Ive already had a few ticks on me from Ca. and had to pull tons of ticks off my dogs.here in Ca we have them year round I wonder if the cooler climate in Oct keeps them at bay in the east coast?

[Seasprite]

I was told by a CDC public health nurse that when your doctor reports your case, you are supposed to get a call from the CDC nurse because it is INFECTIOUS DISEASE.

IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN CALLED, that means your DOC may not have reported it.

I just found this out, and am going to see if and how my doc can report my case!!!

The nurse said LYME IS WAYYYYYY under-reported.