Bedford-Birch Cove Liberal MLA Kelly Regan will host a public information session and discussion on Lyme disease on Wednesday, November 24 in her riding.

Admiral’s Cove/Magazine Hill is one of four areas designated by the province to have established populations of black-legged ticks. The bacterium that causes Lyme disease has been detected in all four areas.

“People need to know that they can catch Lyme disease outside those four areas – ticks don’t pay any attention to provincial designations. They fall off birds, rodents and deer – all of which move about,” says Regan. “I don’t think we’ve been doing a good job alerting people to that.”

“Lyme disease is serious; there are a number of area residents who have been diagnosed with it,” says Regan. “It’s important that we, as public representatives, do all we can to educate our constituents about this potential danger.”

“This isn’t about alarming people – this is about arming people with the right information. If Lyme disease is caught early, it’s simple to treat. If it isn’t diagnosed quickly, its effects can be devastating.”

The public information session will bring together constituents, local residents living with Lyme, an entomologist, and representatives from HRM – including Bedford Councillor Tim Outhit.

“People need to know about Lyme disease and how to minimize chances of contracting it,” Regan says.

Constituents will have the opportunity to learn about the symptoms of Lyme disease and its diagnosis process, the lifecycle of the black-legged tick and ways to reduce the risk of tick bites, and new initiatives being taken by HRM to control the spread of the tick population.

The meeting will take place from 7:00-8:30pm at the Bedford Legion, 1772 Bedford Highway.