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Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Awareness Month Is Here: What You Need to Know (and Do)

Abigail Smedly
Abigail Smedly

May has officially begun, and with it comes Lyme and other Tick-Borne Diseases Awareness Month here in Colorado. As tick encounters continue to rise across the country—and in our own communities—this month is about more than awareness. It’s about taking informed, proactive action to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

A Growing Concern in Colorado

Governor Jared Polis has once again proclaimed May as Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Awareness Month across the state. This recognition comes at an important time. National data shows that emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest level in nearly a decade, signaling a clear upward trend in exposure.

Closer to home, the 2026 Companion Animal Parasite Council Forecast indicates:

  • High risk for Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis in Chaffee County
  • Stable but present risk for Lyme disease

These trends highlight a simple reality: tick-borne diseases are not just a distant issue—they’re here.

Why Awareness Isn’t Enough

While education is critical, emerging research shows that awareness alone won’t solve the problem.

Recent studies have found:

  • Standard early testing for Lyme disease may miss 64–78% of cases, meaning many people go undiagnosed in the early stages
  • New evidence is expanding understanding of perinatal transmission of Lyme disease, raising important considerations for those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy

For both community members and healthcare providers, this underscores the importance of:

  • Recognizing symptoms early
  • Advocating for appropriate testing and follow-up
  • Staying informed about evolving science

What You Can Do This Month

Awareness Month is a great time to take practical steps:

Protect yourself outdoors

  • Use EPA-approved insect repellents
  • Wear long sleeves and pants in grassy or wooded areas
  • Perform full-body tick checks after time outside

Know the signs

  • Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle/joint pain
  • Rash (not always present or “bullseye”-shaped)

Support local and statewide efforts

  • Participate in community education events
  • Stay engaged with public health updates
  • Share information with friends and family

Upcoming Events

There are also opportunities this month to get involved and learn more:

  • Moonlight Monday (May 11) – A community event supporting the Colorado Tick-Borne Disease Awareness Association
  • Free Webinar (May 12) with internationally recognized expert Richard Horowitz, focusing on chronic illness and tick-borne diseases

Moving Forward Together

Tick-borne diseases can be complex, often misunderstood, and sometimes difficult to diagnose—but increased awareness, community engagement, and proactive prevention can make a real difference.

This May, take a moment to not only learn—but to act. Whether it’s checking for ticks after a hike, attending a webinar, or sharing information with your network, small steps can have a big impact on community health.