In this episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, Fred Diamond speaks with Dr. Korine Kolivras, professor of geography at Virginia Tech, whose groundbreaking research challenges the long-held belief that "we don't have Lyme here."

Dr. Kolivras, author of a chapter in Appalachian Epidemics: From Smallpox to COVID, shares how geography, land use, and even bird migration contribute to the spread of Lyme disease across Virginia, Appalachia, and beyond.

She explains why the maps we rely on underestimate the true reach of Lyme, how land development and resource extraction may accelerate tick expansion, and what needs to change in medical education and public awareness.

🎧 Topics include:

• How geography and land use shape Lyme's spread

• Why "reported cases" don't reflect reality

• The role of birds, deer, and mice in tick migration

• How Appalachia's land changes may drive new Lyme hotspots

• What healthcare providers need to ask every patient

💬 Dr. Kolivras's message is clear — Lyme disease exists far beyond the maps, and awareness must rise everywhere.

📘 Learn more about her work in Appalachian Epidemics: From Smallpox to COVID (University of Kentucky Press).

🎙️ Love, Hope, Lyme is the podcast that brings together Lyme survivors, doctors, and advocates to share truth, research, and hope.

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