Hiding inside from Lyme disease

Lyme disease-causing tick.

Adapted from Robert Whitcomb's "Digital Diary'' in GoLocal24.com

Here’s a weird report from the Connecticut Post: A new study at the Yale University School of Forestry and other institutions asserts that fear of Lyme disease (named after the Connecticut town) costs, in the paper’s words, “$2.8 billion to $5 billion per year in activities pursued instead of enjoying the outdoors.’’ Strains credulity.

“People are giving up trips, and it's not just hiking and camping in the woods,’’ University of Alaska scholar Kevin Berry, the report’s lead author, said:  “It’s trips to the park, soccer games or walks and bike rides in places where there are stands of trees and all grasses …a wide variety of activities pretty much anywhere in this part of the Northeast that’s outdoors.’’

Really?  Can’t people just put on bug repellent and wear long pants?