The public is invited to attend the March meeting of the Lyme disease support group for residents of Juneau, Monroe, Richland, Sauk and Vernon counties from 6:30-8 p.m. March 25 at the Hillsboro Public Library meeting room, 819 High Ave.

Many national publications carried Lyme disease news of particular significance for Western Wisconsinites  last month.

Mayo Clinic medical researchers have confirmed a previously unknown species of the spirochetal bacteria which causes Lyme Disease. It is Borrelia mayonii and seems to be limited to only western Wisconsin and north central Minnesota. Prior to discovering B. mayonii, Borrelia burgdorferi was thought to be the only species on the  continent which causes Lyme Disease.

B.mayonii, like B. burgdorferi, may show itself with a rash, and flu like symptoms such as headache, fever, and joint and neck pain.

But B. mayonii does not indicate itself with a bulls eye rash, whereas B. burgdorferi may. Rather B. mayonii’s rash may be general.

Additionally, it seems that nausea and vomiting may well be present, along with an even larger concentration of bacteria in an infected person’s system.

Early last week on a cool day, my wife found a deer tick nymph on her leg. Please remember that ticks can be active any time of the year. Check yourself regularly after being outside in the woods.

At our meetings are helpful materials free for the taking. You will also find friendly mutual support inside and outside of our meetings. We look forward to your presence.

Our coordinator can be reached by e-mail at garycepek@yahoo.com, telephone 608-489-2725 (ask for Gary), or surface mail: Gary Cepek, S1468 Cepek Rd., Elroy, WI 53929.