By Associated Press - Saturday, May 24, 2014

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire health officials are advising people to wear insect repellent and protective clothing to avoid being bitten by ticks and potentially exposed to Lyme disease.

In 2013, 1,689 cases of Lyme disease were identified in the state, with the highest rates of disease in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Strafford counties, the Department of Health and Human Services said.

The greatest risk for Lyme disease is between May and August.

Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a bulls-eye-like rash.

The disease is treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can lead to severe headaches and neck pain caused by meningitis, pain and swelling in the large joints, shooting pains that may interfere with sleep, and heart palpitations and dizziness.

“Unfortunately, Lyme disease remains common in New Hampshire,” said Dr. Jose Montero, the department’s director of public health. “We cannot afford to let our guard down.”

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Online:

ww.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/lyme/index.htm

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