ROANOKE - Lyme disease is on the rise in Virginia, and locally.

“We are definitely seeing more cases of Lyme Disease.  In fact, I just saw a case this morning,“ said Dr. Kevin Kelleher, who practices in Roanoke.

Dr. Kelleher’s patient had the tell tale sign, a bullseye rash that showed up on her left hip just below the waistline.  Dr. Kelleher says in the last two weeks he has treated at least five patients for Lyme Disease.  “In most cases when we find out what it is we can get rid of it,“ Dr. Kelleher said.

People can be bitten by a tick anywhere outdoors, but mainly in field grass.  The spike in cases, Dr. Kelleher blames on the growing deer population. “It started in the northeast corridor and now it is spreading to Virginia and North Carolina.“

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Source: www.wsls.com