Seminar on Lyme planned

JACKSON — An educational seminar for the general public about Lyme disease — what it is, how it is caused and what can be done to prevent it — will be held on Feb. 28 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Jackson municipal building, 95 W. Veterans Highway.

“Since Jackson is heavily wooded, we have to be particularly aware of ticks spreading Lyme disease and residents should know how to protect themselves and their children from this potentially debilitating disease,” Township Com-mitteeman Michael Kafton said. “New Jersey is one of 12 states accounting for 95 percent of the cases reported nationally.”

Joining Kafton at the seminar will be four professionals in the field of treating and preventing Lyme disease: Dr. Emilia Eiras, a Jackson physician, who, with her late husband, Dr. John Drulle, has done extensive research into the disease. Eiras maintains an active practice in town and both Eiras and Drulle have had Lyme disease.

Dr. Martin Fried, director of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Nep-tune, will discuss the effects of Lyme on children and the latest treatments available.

Dr. Robert Bransfield, a Monmouth County psychiatrist who has written and lectured extensively about the neuro-psychiatric aspects of the disease, explores the behavior changes of people who have become infected with the disease and will tell residents what they should look for.

Betty Markonas, vice president of the John Drulle Memorial Lyme Fund, a nonprofit organization, will discuss Lyme awareness and prevention.

Kafton said the evening should prove to be educational for residents who are often at risk of being exposed to Lyme disease.

“There will be a great deal of information available from these experts in the field,” he said.

Refreshments will be served.