Residents can hear from experts on a topic that heats up this time of year – ticks and Lyme disease – during a program Monday at Lauri Ann West Community Center.
The speaker series will host “Lyme Disease in Our Community” at 7 p.m. at the center, 1220 Powers Run Road, O’Hara.
Admission is free.
The discussion will be led by Andy Nowalk, clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
He will be joined by physician assistant Libby Ernharth and veterinarian Amanda Resek.
The trio will address ticks, known carriers of Lyme disease, precautions to avoid tick bites and symptoms of the illness.
With May designated as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and the prevalence of wooded trails in the Fox Chapel Area School District communities, Lauri Ann West organizers said it was a fitting topic to help protect residents.
One way to prevent bites is by avoiding leaf piles, firewood and tree trunks, according to Lymedisease.org.
Other advice includes staying on cleared trails and covering exposed skin with long pants and sleeves.
Anyone playing or hiking outdoors should spray with DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus, periodically brush off clothing and shower once home.
To register for the program, visit lauriannwestcc.org.
