Health Resource Capacity Assessment for Putnam, Connecticut, May 2001

Health Needs/Barriers to Care: Lyme Disease

The incidence of Lyme Disease in Putnam is approximately double the state average. The incidence was at or below the state average from 1993 through 1996, but saw a precipitous increase from 1997 to 1998. ⁶⁰ Tick-borne fever is the 41st most common reason for an emergency department visit without admission at Day Kimball Hospital compared to ranking as the 770th most common diagnosis statewide for 10/1/99 to 3/31/00. ⁶¹ Windham County has the highest Lyme disease rate in the state and Connecticut has one of the highest rates in the country. ⁶² Most Putnam residents are unaware of the high incidence of Lyme disease in their area. NDDH is planning a regional Lyme disease health education campaign.

Footnotes

60. Connecticut Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Program.
61. Day Kimball Hospital, the Bristol Group. Tick-borne fever ranked 47th at Day Kimball Hospital vs. 801st for the state from 10/1/98 to 9/30/99.
62. Connecticut Department of Public Health, Epidemiology Program.