Health officials say Virginia had about 1,200 cases of Lyme Disease last year, a 37 percent increase from 2009.  It is spread by infected ticks, and Robert Parker with the Virginia Health Department says now that people are back outdoors for the summer, frequent “tick checks” are a good idea.  Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, but Parker says prevention is the best plan by staying away from ticks.

Robert Parker has more information on Lyme Disease in Virginia, including treatment and prevention information:[audio:https://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/05-26-parker-on-lyme-disease-WEB.mp3|titles=05-26 parker on lyme disease-WEB]