After a summer hiatus, school is back in session and so is the Introduction to Rural Health Course. As we are discussing agricultural health issues, I thought it would be pertinent to talk about Ticks and Lyme Disease.
According to the Brattleboro Reformer, tick populations have steadily been on the rise in the state of Vermont in the last 100 years because of the changing landscape from fields to forests. In 2012, Windham county tied Windsor and Rutland counties for the highest number of cases of Lyme disease. Lyme disease can be a debilitating disease if not treated, and it can be difficult to diagnose. People are infected with Lyme disease after being bitten by ticks infected with a specific bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. The possibility of transmission can be cut down by wearing long pants and sleeves while working, and by checking for ticks when you come inside. It is therefore important for all residents in Windham county to understand the importance of checking for ticks, as well as what we as healthcare providers can do to spread the word. Anyone who spends a great deal of time outside is at risk, and this includes agricultural workers, hikers, and people enjoying a stroll with their pets. As a future health professional looking to work in Vermont, it is important for me to know the risk factors, as well as be prepared to talk to my patients about their daily activities and to assess who to minimize their daily risk for what can be a devastating disease.
Here is the link to the article in the Brattleboro Reformer: http://www.reformer.com/ci_23127906/ticks-move
