Health
Lyme Disease, and the Ticks That Carry It, Are Becoming More Common in NJ
The state Department of Health logged 4,300 new Lyme cases last year
BRENDA FLANAGAN / NJ SPOTLIGHT – Cases of Lyme disease have surged in the Garden State in recent years as ticks thrive in weather that is increasingly hot and humid. Researchers say that climate change is allowing ticks to expand their range, making New Jersey prime territory for the arachnids carrying Lyme and other diseases.
Last year, Rutgers launched NJ Ticks 4 Science! and has 500 ticks it plans to test for different pathogens. Rutgers is also participating in a brand new Lyme vaccine trial. The two-year trial involves 3,000 kids nationwide — up to 100, here in New Jersey — who will get three doses of vaccine and a booster …
