Southampton Hospital Launches Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center

Residents of Eastern Long Island have reported increased cases of diseases that were caused by a single tick bite. Despite popular belief, you do not need to enter a heavily wooded area to encounter and possibly be bitten by a tick with potentially deadly consequences. To raise awareness, Southampton Hospital is holding a free panel discussion on Saturday, June 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Parrish Memorial Hall in Southampton.

Lyme Disease is the most commonly known tick-borne disease, but ticks have also been known to carry anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, spotted fever and tularemia. In response to the spike in tick-borne disease and the concern that it is bothering those who reside on the East End, Southampton Hospital has launched a Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center (TBDR).

The mission of the TBDR center is to educate the public, promote cooperation among the medical community, and to facilitate access to diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease as well as other tick-borne diseases.

The advisory panel for the Tick-Borne Disease Resource Center is made up of doctors and medical professionals whose expertise spans across nine different specialties including, family practice, internal medicine, infectious disease, allergies, pediatrics, emergency medicine, neurology, psychology and rheumatology.

Hopefully, the collaboration of these doctors and medical professionals will support their capability to fight the affects of tick-borne diseases and further progress with education and treatment options for those who live on and visit the East End of Long Island. In addition to the resource center, a “help” line devoted to tick-related problems is in place, and can be found by calling 631-726-8425.

Space for the event is limited. To reserve a seat, call 631-726-0452.

Parrish Memorial Hall is located on Herrick Road in Southampton. For more information, visit www.southamptonhospital.org.