Once active in many community groups, her life has truly changed. But she's taking action. Fisch recently founded a Lyme Disease support group which begins March 17. There are many people with Lyme Disease in this area, and the numbers are growing - unfortunately. According to Deborah Smith-Fiola of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Lyme Disease is spread by the tiny deer tick.
Ticks are blood feeders, and infected ticks transmit the disease as they feed.
People are advised to use caution when visiting high risk areas like woods. Only about a third of its victims know they've been bitten. Weeks later, the organism attacks the nervous system. People may have partial facial paralysis, and have trouble smiling or talking. Some can't concentrate or sleep.