Beginning today, county residents may begin to notice lime green ribbons tied around trees and popping up in other public places, according to the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association. The effort is taking place across the country to draw attention to historic hearings slated for Thursday in Washington to bring to light issues surrounding diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

The hearing is a part of an independent review panel that is revisiting how the disease is diagnosed and treated. The Infectious Diseases Society of America developed guidelines in 2006 for diagnosing and treating the disease, but an investigation by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal last year determined that the ISDA didn't take into account evidence that suggests Lyme disease may become a chronic condition and require longer periods of treatment. Blumenthal alleged that the ISDA held conflicts of interest when developing the guidelines. The independent review panel is part of an agreement between the ISDA and Blumenthal's office.

"We really hope to educate the public to the fact that these hearings are going on," NatCapLyme spokeswoman Monte Skall said.

Lyme disease patients and activists from around the world are planning to watch the hearings via webcast Thursday and participate in an international Twitter chat. To watch the hearings online, visit the ISDA Web site at www.idsociety.org.