Archive for the ‘Ticks’ Category

Ticks on Beaches

http://www.wmdt.com/news/maryland/ticks-found-on-beaches/745414699  (Go here for news video)

Ticks found on beaches

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Photo credit:  NBC News

By: Brooke Butler
Posted: May 23, 2018

47 ABC – When you’re walking along the beach, you can expect to run into some birds, some crabs, or if you’re at Assateague Island, maybe even some horses. But there’s one creepy crawly resident here that you wouldn’t expect, a tick.

Ginny Rosenkranz, an extension educator from the University of Maryland Extension office, said, “You know, it’s amazing you can find ticks a lot of places, but yes, a beach.”

Earlier in the week, one Ocean City visitor posted a disturbing photo on Facebook of a tick he found in his hair after a long walk on the beach.

Rachel Kelly, an Assateague National Seashore visitor said, “I’d never think to look for ticks on the beach that’s really gross.”

It made us wonder, how common are ticks on the beach and how do they get there in the first place?

Rosenkranz explained, “Think about it, right now there’s a lot of seagulls and other birds flying and they can carry ticks. People who are walking their dogs they are still allowed to do that they can get a tick that falls off of a dog, it’s pretty common in that sense.”

When it comes to Assateague, ticks can actually fall off the ponies and latch on to you.

Kelly Taylor, an Assistant Public Information Officer at Assateague National Seashore said, “You know you come out, ticks can be on horses so you want to keep your distance from the horses. We always recommend school bus length is the safe length for you, the safe length for the horses.”

Rachel Kelly said, “I guess, you know, maybe from the animals too it makes sense. I just never would have put those two together on my own.”

Not only do ticks reside on wild animals, but they hang out in the dune grasses as well.

We’re told this is the perfect habitat for ticks because if they have been on a mouse or other critter and they decide to get off of it, they will do something called questing.

Rosenkranz said, “They will climb up a blade of grass and they will hang with their back feet with their front legs going out like this and as soon as you walk by, they’ve got you and they’re on you.”

As for how common they are on beaches? According to Assateague officials, not very.

Taylor said, “They can be picked up in your backyard just as easily as they can be picked up here at the National Seashore.”

So as a safety precaution, next time you go to the beach, make sure you check for any unwelcome hitchhikers, so you can avoid picking up nasty diseases like Lyme Disease.

EDIT: According to the CDC, in most cases a tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours before Lyme Disease can be transmitted, but there are still exceptions to that rule, so it is best to get a tick off of you as soon as possible.

The best way to remove a tick is with tweezers. Grab the tick as close to the skin as possible with the tweezers and pull upward with steady even pressure so the mouth does not break off and remain in your skin.

After the tick is removed, the CDC suggests thoroughly cleaning the bite area with rubbing alcohol and disposing of the tick either in rubbing alcohol, down the toilet, or in a sealed plastic bag.

If you develop a fever or rash several weeks after being bitten, you are encouraged to see your doctor.

_______________

**Comment**

Now do you see why climate change has ZIPPO to do with infection rates?  Ticks are marvelous ecoadaptors and will be the last species on earth besides cockroaches and the IRS:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/08/14/canadian-tick-expert-climate-change-is-not-behind-lyme-disease/

Glad they added that there are exceptions to becoming infected in under 39-48 hours because that’s the truth and no minimum time for infection has ever been ascertained.  In one case it only took about 6 hours for a little girl bitten by a tick to lose the ability to walk and talk:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/04/14/transmission-time-for-lymemsids-infection/

Ticks have been found in caves, on rocks, underneath picnic benches, and have fallen from trees onto patios: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/31/no-lyme-in-the-south-guess-again/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/04/23/tick-borne-relapsing-fever-found-in-austin-texas-caves/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/03/13/ticks-found-on-rocks/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/08/17/of-birds-and-ticks/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/13/tv-anchor-speaks-out-about-lyme-disease/  (TV news anchor got bit at a garden party on a deck with an overhanging tree)

Also, I would never take a “wait and see” approach if you are bitten by a tick.  Why they keep regurgitating this is beyond me.  Everyone knows that prompt medical treatment is what separates those who get better and those who don’t.  Demand a minimum of 3 weeks of treatment:  http://www.ilads.org/lyme/what-to-do-if-bit-by-tick.php

Go here for more dispelled myths.  I write a comment after the video:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/06/06/mc-bugg-z/

 

 

 

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Ticks

State Health Leaders Dispute CDC’s Claim of Drop in Lyme Disease Cases

https://www.necn.com/news/health/State-Health-Leaders-Dispute-CDCs-Claim-of-Drop-in-Lyme-Cases-484635141.html

State Health Leaders Dispute CDC’s Claim of Drop in Lyme Disease Cases

A top Massachusetts health official says the CDC’s numbers on Lyme disease cases don’t reflect reality

By Alysha Palumbo, June 5, 2018

Tiny ticks can carry some serious diseases with them, including Lyme disease, but, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a 95-percent drop in Lyme disease cases in Massachusetts in just one year.

“If only that were true!” exclaimed Massachusetts Department of Public Health Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown.

Dr. Brown says those numbers don’t reflect reality.

That’s because the CDC only allows states to count Lyme disease cases with both a positive lab test and clinical diagnosis.

“This was an extraordinarily burdensome system, not just for us in the department but for our local boards of health and also for our health care providers,” Dr. Brown said.

In 2016, DPH stopped spending time and resources trying to track down the clinical information, instead relying solely on positive lab results to give a more accurate estimate of Lyme disease case numbers.

And what they found is, instead of a 95-percent drop, the numbers stayed almost exactly the same year to year.

“I think DPH’s decision was spot on correct. They know that they’re working with a flawed reporting system that is unfixable,” said entomologist Larry Dapsis, the Tick Project Coordinator with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension.

Dapsis says the message this should send to people is to remain vigilant – use repellants and check for ticks when you’ve been outside – because the best way to reduce these numbers is to prevent tick bites in the first place.

“You’ve got to not be tick afraid, but tick aware,” said Dapsis.

Dr. Brown says with the amount of time the Department of Public Health has been able to save not trying to track down clinical diagnoses of Lyme disease cases, they’ve actually been able to spend more time studying Lyme in hopes of being able to prevent more cases in the future.

__________________

**Comment**

There you have it:  “A flawed reporting system that is unfixable.”

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Ticks

MC Bugg-Z Raps Lyme Prevention

 Approx. 3 Min

Bug biologist Andy Lima, a.k.a. MC Bugg-Z, on tick prevention

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/… Don’t get sick from the bite of a tick! MC Bugg-Z shares tips for how to protect yourself from tick bites and Lyme disease, the most commonly reported vector-bone illness in the United States.

Lyme disease is spread by blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks) and can produce a wide range of symptoms depending on the stage of infection. These symptoms can include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis, and not every Lyme disease rash looks like a bullseye. Seek medical attention if you observe any of these symptoms and have had a tick bite, live in an area known for Lyme disease, or have recently traveled to an area where Lyme disease occurs.

_________________

**Comment**

Kudo’s to MC Bugg-Z for this creative take on tick prevention.

A few corrections:
  1. Ticks are everywhere, not just in the areas he mentions:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/31/no-lyme-in-the-south-guess-again/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/04/23/tick-borne-relapsing-fever-found-in-austin-texas-caves/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/03/13/ticks-found-on-rocks/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/08/17/of-birds-and-ticks/
  2. Fewer than 50% recall any sort of rash & many “visible” signs of LD are easily missed or mistaken:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/02/13/lyme-disease-treatment/  My initial symptoms were all gynecological which then traveled everywhere causing a swollen knee, fever, migrating joint pain, headaches, seeing flashing lights, memory loss, and stuff I’ve blocked out:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/02/24/pcos-lyme-my-story/.  Symptoms will reflect the pathogens you are infected with.  Treatment will reveal symptoms and you eliminate them layer by layer.  This cut and dried idea that everyone gets a rash and feels one thing is asinine.  This crud defies all logic and decorum.
  3. You need to be concerned about ALL ticks, not just the black-legged tick: https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/26/tick-from-hell-now-sited-in-west-virginia/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/10/25/hope-for-southerners/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/19/infected-ticks-in-california-its-complicated/.  If you read the PCOS link above you will also be alerted to the fact this may very well be a STD.  Much more research needs to happen.  There also may be other insects involved:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/03/01/strides-in-lyme-research-links-to-mosquitos-as-carriers/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/22/mosquito-spit-alone-may-significantly-alter-your-immune-system-for-days-after-a-bite/, https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/02/12/wolbachia-laced-mosquitoes-being-released-why-lyme-msids-patients-might-be-negatively-affected/
  4. Lyme is the rock-star we know by name.  There’s a whole bunch of wanna-be’s just as dangerous that ticks can transmit:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/01/one-tick-bite-could-put-you-at-risk-for-at-least-6-different-diseases/  (The actual number is 18 and counting)
  5. Research has shown permethrin to be the most effective against ticks:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/05/27/study-conforms-permethrin-causes-ticks-to-drop-off-clothing/  (You can’t put this on your skin).  For more prevention ideas:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/05/11/tick-prevention-and-removal-2017/
  6. While some ticks go into a diapause in winter, many are still active:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2016/01/20/polar-vorticks/  (I have buddies who are pulling live ticks off their dogs in February in Wisconsin.)  You can get infected ANY DAY OF THE YEAR not just in spring and fall.
  7. Regarding ticks dropping, I disagree.  Here this news anchor states he got a tick bite on a deck with an overhanging tree:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/07/13/tv-anchor-speaks-out-about-lyme-disease/  While they can’t fly per se, ticks can blow in the wind.  Another person told me of how ticks blew into their swimming pool.  I personally have had the lawnmower blow ticks onto my basement screens and some got in and were crawling up the walls.  Ticks hitchhike on rodents, birds and pets and can go anywhere they go.  No, my friends, ticks are insidious and these outdated, regurgitated myths need to stop.  
  8. Do not follow the “wait and see” approach.  For 40 years we’ve known that prompt treatment is essential.  This crud can get into your central nervous system within HOURS & NO research has shown MINIMUM transmission time for infection:  https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2017/04/14/transmission-time-for-lymemsids-infection/  (A little girl couldn’t walk or talk after only about 6 hours of tick attachment.  Do not believe the “experts!”)  Take every tick bite seriously and demand prophylactic treatment for 3 weeks minimum.  Viruses can be transmitted within minutes.  http://www.ilads.org/lyme/what-to-do-if-bit-by-tick.php (This link also debunks the 1-dose of doxy.  Serious flaws in that research.  It also gives treatment options.)

 

 

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, Ticks

Lyme Education for Healthcare Professionals

https://globallymealliance.org/education-awareness/physicians-training-program/

LYME EDUCATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

There is an increasing risk for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases across the country. GLA recognizes the importance of patients having access to physicians who are trained to properly diagnose and treat Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. We are committed to educating the medical community by providing educational programming and training opportunities focused on diagnosing and managing Lyme disease, other tick-borne co-infections, and Lyme comorbidities.

CME-Accredited Education

GLA provides CME-accredited educational programs for healthcare professionals to learn more about diagnosing and treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

On Demand CME
Pediatric Tick-Borne Disease: Diagnosis and Management
Patricia DeLaMora, MD, FAAP discusses the proper diagnosis and management of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in children.This educational activity was developed to teach pediatricians and other healthcare professionals who want to learn:

-Limitations of current Lyme disease testing
-Recognition of some co-infections
-Antibiotic management of tick-borne diseases

Earn your CME credits now. Global Lyme Alliance developed this educational activity in partnership with Global Education Group. Global Education Group designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

Physician Training Grants

Each year, GLA provides grant support to physicians and other healthcare professionals to attend the International Lyme and Associated Diseases (ILADS) Annual Conference. GLA has funded hundreds of clinicians to attend this major conference to learn about the latest clinical updates. These clinicians gain important Lyme disease knowledge and information to treat patients in their communities.

Physician Training Program

Over the years, the GLA Physician Training Program has provided grants to hundreds of clinicians to study alongside physicians experienced in treating Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. This peer-to-peer training program provided clinicians an opportunity to learn how to properly diagnose and treat Lyme and other co-infections from experts in the field. This program helped equip clinicians with the necessary skills to effectively treat and care for Lyme patients in their community.

ON DEMAND CME PEDIATRIC TICK-BORNE DISEASE: DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT
Certified CampEarn credits now

  • Our ImpactOUR IMPACTGLA has awarded over $9 million for research, and our GLA-funded projects have led to unprecedented advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne illnesses.

    LEARN MORE

  • Published ResearchPUBLISHED RESEARCHGLA funds innovative research projects. View research articles published in peer-reviewed journals.

    LEARN MORE

  • scientific advisory boardSCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARDThe Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) plays a key role in directing GLA’s grant funds into programs judged to have exceptional prospects of delivering measurable advances.

__________________

**Comment**

For more on how to become educated on Lyme/MSIDS:  

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/02/19/calling-all-doctors-please-become-educated-regarding-tick-borne-illness-heres-how/

https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2018/02/22/new-lyme-cme-course-available-lyme-carditis-more-than-blocked-beats/

There are also annual conferences in which practitioners can obtain CME’s.  For info:

http://www.ilads.org

Friday-Saturday, June 15-16, 2018
Warsaw, Poland
The ILADS 2018 European Conference will be held June 15-16, 2018 at the Sheraton Warsaw Hotel. The theme is Chronic Borreliosis – Infection, Inflammation, Immunity.

and

Thursday-Sunday, November 1-4, 2018
Chicago, IL
ILADS’ 2018 fall meeting venue will be held in Chicago, IL at the Sheraton Grand Chicago

https://www.lymediseaseassociation.org

LDA/Columbia University – 19th Annual
Lyme/TBD CME Scientific Conference
October 27 & 28, 2018
Marriott Providence Downtown
Providence, RI

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category:

Activism, Lyme, research, Testing, Ticks, Treatment

NYC Issues Tick-borne Disease Advisory

http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/han/advisory/2018/advisory8-tickborne-disease.pdf

NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE

Mary T. Bassett, MD, MPH

Commissioner

2018 DOHMH Advisory #8: Tickborne Disease Advisory

Please share with your colleagues in Internal and Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Infectious Disease, Infection Control, Laboratory Medicine, Hematology, Cardiology, Neurology, Rheumatology, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine.

  •   Tickborne diseases, with the exception of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), are associated primarily with travel outside of New York City (NYC). Locally acquired cases of Lyme disease and babesiosis continue to be reported from Staten Island and smaller numbers have been reported from the Bronx.
  •   Isolated cases of locally acquired anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis have also been reported from Staten Island.
  •   The following tickborne diseases are reportable in NYC: Lyme disease, RMSF, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and Powassan disease.
  •   Refer to the Reference Manual for Physicians on Tickborne Diseases in the New York City Area for extensive details and guidance on identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention available at: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/ehs/tick-borne-dx-physician.pdf. Call 311 to order copies.

    May 30, 2018 Dear Colleagues,

    New York City (NYC) clinicians should be on the alert for patients with tickborne diseases. This advisory presents key epidemiologic findings regarding reportable tickborne diseases in NYC and reminds clinicians of reporting requirements. Please refer to the revised 3rd edition of the Reference Manual for Physicians on Tickborne Diseases in the New York City Area for details and guidance on identification, diagnosis, treatment and prevention available at: http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/ehs/tick-borne-dx-physician.pdf or call 311 to order copies.

    Recent travel to upstate NY, Long Island, and other parts of New England should prompt consideration of tickborne diseases. A history of a tick bite is not a prerequisite for considering tickborne diseases for patients with compatible illness, since only a small proportion of patients diagnosed with these diseases recall being bitten by a tick. The following tickborne diseases are reportable in NYC:

Disease

Organism

Vector

Endemic US States

Ticks in NYC

Lyme disease

Borrelia burgdorferi

Ixodes scapularis

(blacklegged or deer tick)

Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Upper Midwest esp. CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, VA, WV & MN, WI

Blacklegged tick found in Staten Island and northern Bronx.

Babesiosis

Babesia microti

Northeast & MN, WI

Anaplasmosis

Anaplasma phagocytophilum

Northeast, esp. NY, CT, NJ, RI & MN, WI

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichia chaffeensis

Amblyomma americanum

(lone star tick)

Southeast and south-central

Lone star tick has become more common in Staten Island and limited areas of the Bronx

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Rickettsia rickettsii

Dermacentor variabilis

(American dog tick)

Throughout US, esp. NC, OK, AR, TN, MO

Dog tick found in all 5 boroughs

Powassan disease

Powassan or deer tick virus

Ixodes cookei (groundhog tick) or Ixodes scapularis

Cases reported from CT, MN, WI, NY, ME, MA, NH, NJ, PA, NC, RI, & VA, 2004-2016

Groundhog tick not identified in NYC; blacklegged tick see above
NYC Tickborne Disease Epidemiology

Tickborne diseases in NYC have been trending upward since 2000, with fluctuations from year to year. In 2017, the number of anaplasmosis and babesiosis cases approximately doubled in all boroughs except Queens, compared to 2016. There was a slight increase in Lyme disease cases in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. (Figure and Tables 1-5). Incidence rates of tickborne diseases are typically significantly higher in residents of Manhattan compared with other boroughs. However, since 2015, Staten Island has had the highest incidence rate of Lyme disease in NYC, which may be due to an increasing number of locally acquired cases. A subset of Lyme diseases cases, those with a physician reported erythema migrans (EM) lesion with onset between April 1 and October 31, are interviewed to assess travel. EM is a reliable indicator of recent infection and is used to identify locally acquired cases. Most interviewed cases with EM report a history of travel outside the City during the incubation period, most commonly to upstate New York, Long Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Approximately half of interviewed Lyme disease patients with EM in Staten Island reported no history of travel during the incubation period (Table 4a). Local transmission of babesiosis was also reported in the Bronx and Staten Island and there was one report each of locally acquired anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis in Staten Island residents. Blacklegged ticks collected in the Bronx and Staten Island have tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi and Babesia microti (see tick surveillance below). Locally acquired RMSF cases while rare, have been reported in the past from all five boroughs.

Tickborne diseases may also be transmitted via blood transfusion. In 2017, there was one transfusion-associated babesiosis case and the first anaplasmosis case acquired from a blood transfusion in NYC. The incubation period for transfusion-associated babesiosis is two to nine weeks. Consider babesiosis in the differential diagnosis for patients with febrile illnesses and/or hemolytic anemia who have received blood components or transplanted organs in the preceding three months. Because these patients often have co-morbidities, and the potential exists for infection with other pathogens, consideration of babesiosis as a possible etiology may be delayed.

NYC Tick Surveillance Data

Information on tick populations in NYC is limited. Tick surveillance is conducted by the Health Department in select parks. In 2018, monthly tick surveillance will occur in 17 parks in NYC. Another 15 sites will be surveyed during high tick activity season from May to July.

 Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick or deer tick) has become widely established in Staten Island, and focal areas of the Bronx including Pelham Bay Park and Hunter Island. It is not established in other areas of NYC.

  • In 2016, ticks collected from parks in the Bronx (47%) and Staten Island (19%) tested positive for Borrelia burgdorferi. While 2017 tick testing results are not yet available, the density of blacklegged ticks doubled from 2016 to 2017 in areas of Staten Island (0.86 to 1.57 ticks/100m2) and the Bronx (4.13 to 9.37 ticks/100m2).
  • A much smaller number of ticks in the Bronx and Staten Island tested positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.06-10%), Babesia microti (0-6%) and the emerging pathogen, Borrelia miyamotoi (2%).
  • Significant numbers of I. scapularis ticks are found in counties and states surrounding NYC. Testing of ticks collected in the Hudson Valley by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) found infection rates as high as 40-50% for Borrelia burgdorferi, 1-3% for Babesia microti and 7-15% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
  • One tick collected in the Bronx tested positive for Powassan virus in 2016, the first year Powassan viral testing was performed; however no human infections have been identified among NYC residents. In NY State, approximately 1 to 3 human cases are reported annually.

Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) has been detected in all boroughs of NYC.

Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) has become widely established in Staten Island and in focal areas of the Bronx.

Clinical Guidelines
Detailed guidance on how to identify, diagnose and treat tickborne diseases can be found online in reference manuals for health care providers from the NYC Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) (see links below). Blood smear and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) should be used to diagnose babesiosis. Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are best diagnosed using PCR during the first week of illness as antibodies may not be detectable for up to 10 days after illness onset. Paired serology demonstrating a four- fold change in IgG by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) can be used to diagnose anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and RMSF. A clinical diagnosis of Lyme disease can be made in patients who present with an erythema migrans (EM) rash, which is often present before antibodies are detectable. Serologic testing for Lyme disease should adhere to the CDC recommended two-step process, in which an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) that is positive or equivocal is followed by a Western blot test (if Western blot is negative, no further testing is needed).
Tick Bite Management and Lyme Disease Prophylaxis

Attached ticks should be removed promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, ensuring that mouthparts have not been left in the skin. Guidelines developed by the IDSA support limited use of a single dose of doxycycline for adults and children  8 years old* as prophylaxis for Lyme disease when all of the following conditions are met:

  • Patient has traveled to a Lyme-endemic region
  • Tick has been attached for ≥36 hours, based on engorgement or history
  • Prophylaxis can be started within 72 hours of tick removal
  • Tick can be reliably identified as I. scapularis**
  • Patient does not have any contraindications to treatment with doxycycline
*Currently there is no guidance for excluded age groups.
**Doctors in endemic areas often learn to recognize deer ticks. For visual reference providers can refer to the DOHMH website.
Resources on the DOHMH and other websites

DOHMH – http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/zoonotic-and-vectorborne-diseases.page http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/ticks.page

Includes links to:

  •  Tickborne Diseases in the NYC Area: A Physician’s Reference Manual, 3rd edition. Call 311 to order copies. 
  • All About Ticks: A Workbook for Kids and Their Parents (English and Spanish). Call 311 to order copies.
  •  Information on ticks, tick bite prevention and repellents

CDC – http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html

Includes links to:

  • CDC Tickborne Diseases of the United States: A Reference Manual for Health Care Providers, 4th edition (2017)  Webinars on novel and emerging tickborne diseases
  •  CDC videos on Medscape

IDSA Clinical Practice Guidelines – https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/43/9/1089/422463
TICK ENCOUNTER RESOURCE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND http://www.tickencounter.org/ NYS DOH – https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/lyme/

  •  Tick removal video
Reporting Cases

Clinicians and laboratories must report all cases of Lyme disease, babesiosis, RMSF, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan disease to the NYC Health Department. Cases of transfusion-associated tickborne diseases must also be reported to the NYSDOH Blood and Tissue Resources Program at 518-485-5341 and your hospital’s transfusion service.

Report cases to DOHMH by logging into Reporting Central via NYCMED, or complete the Universal Reporting Form:  http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/hcp/urf-0803.pdf and mail or fax to 347-396-2632, or call the Provider Access Line at 1-866-692-3641. If a provider does not already have a NYCMED account, register at the NYCMED link above. Once logged in, Reporting Central can be found in the ‘My Applications’ section. See the Reporting Central New User Guide (PDF):  http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/hcp/reporting-central-new-user-guide.pdf

 

FIGURE. Tickborne Diseases in New York City Residents by Year of Diagnosis  (See link for table)

 

TABLES 1-5. Number of NYC Confirmed and Probable Tickborne Disease Cases by Borough and Year 1. Anaplasmosis (See link for table)

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**Comment**

While alerting clinicians to the importance of considering TBD (tick borne diseases) is a good thing, only giving info from the CDC/IDSA is a huge mistake.  There is a Lyme war going on with two polarized sides believing different things.  To only put one viewpoint is extremely biased and unscientific.

The same old garbage is repeated here and the same old rotten tests.  The only people helped by this advisory are the ones lucky enough to test positive on a test that misses at least half of the cases.

As they say, “Garbage in, garbage out.”

For the ILADS guidelines, please see:  http://ilads.org/lyme/treatment-guideline.php  If you suspect TBD, please contact your local Lyme support groups as well as ILADS.  The IDSA and CDC will only prolong your suffering.

Category:

Activism, Anaplasmosis, Babesia, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ticks, Viruses