WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) _ The Central Massachusetts Lyme Foundation is holding its second-annual conference this weekend.
Saturday's conference will explore the complexities of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and include presentations by experts in primary care, research, testing, psychology and legislation.
Organizers are hoping to provide practical information on the disease, such as how to prevent it and how to obtain testing and treatment.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Charles Ray Jones, a pediatrician who has treated more than 15,000 children and adolescents for tick-borne illnesses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vector-borne illness in the United States. The Northeast and upper Midwest are the epicenters.
The conference is being held at Worcester Technical High School. Nearly 500 people attended last year.