Lyme disease: Children and Outdoors School Activities Germaine BanzaPUBH 6165Walden University

INTRODUCTIONLyme disease is an infectious disease caused

by spirochetal agent (Borrelia burgdorferi)Most common vector-borne disease in U.S.Humans are infected from tick biteSymptoms mimic many others diseases such

as strokeEnvironmental and behavioral approaches

for reducing tick bites among children Public health interventions and community

wide efforts in managing and controlling tick population.

INTRODUCTION (CON’T)Ranks among top 10 notifiable diseases in the U.S.Rates are highest among children ages 5 to 9 (8.6

cases per 100,000 population).Lowest rate among adult 20 to 22 years (3 cases

per 100,000 population).Research effort should be focused on vaccines for

Lyme disease preventionKey factors in public health include- Steady increase in reported cases- Threat of geographic expansion of area of endemicity- Insufficiency of current alternative prevention methods

OVERVIEW Inflammatory disease caused by infected ticks. Etiologic agent: bacteria called Borrelia burgdoferi. Reservoirs: Small mammals and birds People are infected in summer by the immature ticks:

nymphs

Incidence and PrevalenceAbout 30,000 people are diagnosed annually in

the U.S.Estimated ten fold are underreportedPrevalent in New England, the Upper Midwest,

Great Lakes region, and the Pacific Northwest

Incidence and Prevalence (Con’t.)The disease is more prevalent from May to

August in the Northeast and Great Lake regions and from January to May in the Pacific Northwest.

Became notifiable in 1991.

EPIDEMIOLOGY and SURVEILLANCEInformation generates from several

sources.Data collection obtained from surveillance

programs, laboratory services, medical and general communities, and agencies.

Cases reported according to the county of residence, not the place of exposure.

The geographic distribution of cases is highly focused.

About 10% of the disease are underreported.

EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SURVEILLANCE (CON’T)

RISK FACTORSProlong time in wooded or grassy areasExposed skin / failure to wear appropriate

clothes and shoes Indoor/outdoor pets Improper removal of the tick.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Redness, rash like called Erythema migrans (EM) at

the infected area. Swollen lymph nodes, chills, fever, headache, muscles

and joints aches, severe fatigue, Left untreated will result to:

Rheumatologic symptomsCardiac symptomsNeurologic symptoms

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS (Cont)Facial Paralysis

Bull’s eye rash

Arthritis knee

DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENTHistory of exposure to the infected

ticksSigns and symptoms Blood and CSF testingAppropriate antibiotics

PREVENTION Management of the environment for tick control. Education and arise awareness. Community-based management Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment for favorable

outcome Dermatologist: skin care and treatment of erythema

migrans

PREVENTION (Cont.) Insect repellents in absence of VaccineDaily check for ticks after possible exposurePrompt bath after outdoor activities:

camping, walking in the wood, gardening.Tick removal with tweezers as soon as

possible

TICK CONTROL Environmental Management Chemical control

PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONEDUCATION is crucialEducate the community, school, parents, and

children about the disease and preventive measures.

Adopt the TickNET network program for Lyme disease

LYME DISEASE: CHALLENGES Public health practice: Old guidelines used. Need for new guidelines for Lyme disease education

and prevention information. Clinical misdiagnosis, and delay in treatment Prevention: vaccine unavailability Underreported cases Inadequate funds High standards needed regarding safety, efficacy, cost,

and public acceptance

SKATEBOARDS IMPLICATIONIncrease Lyme disease awarenessPrompt surveillance systemReconsider the use of vaccineEstablish effective testing and

diagnosis measuresGuidelines update for schoolPromote research

AUDIENCE / STAKEHOLDERS Parents Health care providers (doctors, nurses, social workers) Faculty members from schools Grand Prairie Health Department Infection Disease Society of America (ISIDA)

guidelines TickNET program

CONCLUSION Lyme disease is caused by bacterium Borrelia

burgdorferi. Rate are highest in children ages 5 to 9. Relevant to public health due to incidence and

prevalence. Can become a chronic and serious illness if left

untreated. Early diagnostic and antibiotic treatment are essential. Education and effective prevention measures contribute

to disease control. Prevention efforts focused on combination of efforts and

approaches such as management of deer population. Lyme disease is a multi-faced condition requiring joint

efforts and adequate funding for further research.

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