Public Education and Lyme Disease Prevention in Monroe County

A Multi-Faceted Program of Personal Protection Strategies, Tick Identification/Risk Assessment, Bi-directional Referrals, and Vector Control

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to share findings and results from a six-year Lyme disease (LD) prevention program in Monroe County, PA. LD is hyper-endemic among ticks in Monroe County and much of the Northeast. In May 1996, an initial survey of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA) established baseline data for tick densities and species, lifecycle occurrence, and infection rates. LD infection rates were extremely high, up to 63% of Ixodes species tested. Monroe County Vector Control (MCVC) has instituted an innovative prevention program. Community members bitten by ticks who seek medical care are referred to MCVC by their physicians. In some instances, community members bring samples directly to MCVC for tick identification and risk assessment, conducted using regression equations for duration of attachment (Falco et al., 1996; des Vignes et al, 2001). Each individual receives counseling, health education and, if necessary, prompt medical referral to prevent complications of LD. MCVC also conducts LD and tick seminars as requested by the community. Data is presented on the occurrence of ticks by life stage and gender, duration of tick attachment to humans, and health education techniques utilized. The low number of LD cases reported, relative to the number of LD positive ticks and tick bites, indicates that MCVC Lyme disease prevention strategies are successful. This model can be replicated in other regions