<a href="http://ehswire.com/writers/">John DeFillippo, CHMPIf your work takes you outdoors, Lyme Disase is something you need to be familiar with. Workers on hazardous waste sites, construction sites, pipeline and utility workers and surveyors are examples of high-risk employees. The purpose of this writing is to raise awareness of Lyme from an occupational perspective and clear up some of the confusion still surrounding this illness..
First identified 35 years ago, Lyme Disease is now the most widespread tick-borne illness. Lyme is most often spread by the black-legged or deer tick, although several other species have been found to carry the infection. It is caused by bacteria that are transmitted from one infected warm-blooded host to the next. Because it is a bacterium, Lyme can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics, if caught early.
Deer ticks are very small -- the adult is about the size of a sesame seed and the nymph about the size of a poppy seed. Both stages are capable of transmitting the disease. A tick bite is painless, adding to the difficulty in detection.
Ticks do not fly or jump, but rather cling to tall grass and brush and wait for a host to pass close enough. They need this habitat and moisture as well as population of deer, birds, and small mammals, such as mice, to survive. They mate and thrive best in the cooler Spring and Fall weather, dying off in severe cold or constant dry heat. Cutting back brush, trimming grass and allowing sunlight to penetrate are good ideas. Controlling deer and rodent population is also a sound prevention strategy. Avoid such areas and keep to the center of paths. Proper use of insect repellent (read the label!) and appropriate clothing are good prevention. Light-colored, long sleeve shirts and long pants, tucked into socks are very good ideas. And, wear a hat.
Frequent, thorough tick checks are crucial for disease prevention. The tick will not bite immediately and, only through skin penetration can it pass on the bacteria. However, once it bites, it will feed for 36-48 hours, and then drop off. If you are able to spot and remove the tick immediately, the chances of developing the disease are very low. Between 3 and 30 days following a bite about 70% percent of people will develop a red, circular or bulls eye rash. The rash can appear anywhere on the skin, not necessarily where you were bitten. Flu-like symptoms can occur before or with the rash. About 20% of people infected will develop severe complications.
Emilcott considers this to be such an important topic that we include Lyme Disease in our regular Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training courses as part of our Biological Hazards Section. We also address it as a hazard of concern in Site Specific Health and Safety Plans developed for our clients.
Our client and friend, Peter Borbas, has had his family tragically affected by this disease. At his own expense, he has produced a brief, but highly informative 2-part video on this very important subject. We urge everyone to view using the links below to raise awareness by passing on this link to coworkers.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIc5MX_ynjk&
Lyme Disease Awareness part 1 (Peter Borbas)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13H_tVd1vH4&
Lyme Disease Awareness part 2 (Peter Borbas)
Format
John DeFillippo, CHMP
If your work takes you outdoors, Lyme Disase is something you need to be familiar with. Workers on hazardous waste sites, construction sites, pipeline and utility workers and surveyors are examples of high-risk employees. The purpose of this writing is to raise awareness of Lyme from an occupational perspective and clear up some of the confusion still surrounding this illness..
First identified 35 years ago, Lyme Disease is now the most widespread tick-borne illness. Lyme is most often spread by the black-legged or deer tick, although several other species have been found to carry the infection. It is caused by bacteria that are transmitted from one infected warm-blooded host to the next. Because it is a bacterium, Lyme can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics, if caught early.
Deer ticks are very small -- the adult is about the size of a sesame seed and the nymph about the size of a poppy seed. Both stages are capable of transmitting the disease. A tick bite is painless, adding to the difficulty in detection.
Ticks do not fly or jump, but rather cling to tall grass and brush and wait for a host to pass close enough. They need this habitat and moisture as well as population of deer, birds, and small mammals, such as mice, to survive. They mate and thrive best in the cooler Spring and Fall weather, dying off in severe cold or constant dry heat. Cutting back brush, trimming grass and allowing sunlight to penetrate are good ideas. Controlling deer and rodent population is also a sound prevention strategy. Avoid such areas and keep to the center of paths. Proper use of insect repellent (read the label!) and appropriate clothing are good prevention. Light-colored, long sleeve shirts and long pants, tucked into socks are very good ideas. And, wear a hat.
Frequent, thorough tick checks are crucial for disease prevention. The tick will not bite immediately and, only through skin penetration can it pass on the bacteria. However, once it bites, it will feed for 36-48 hours, and then drop off. If you are able to spot and remove the tick immediately, the chances of developing the disease are very low. Between 3 and 30 days following a bite about 70% percent of people will develop a red, circular or bulls eye rash. The rash can appear anywhere on the skin, not necessarily where you were bitten. Flu-like symptoms can occur before or with the rash. About 20% of people infected will develop severe complications.
Emilcott considers this to be such an important topic that we include Lyme Disease in our regular Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training courses as part of our Biological Hazards Section. We also address it as a hazard of concern in Site Specific Health and Safety Plans developed for our clients.
Our client and friend, Peter Borbas, has had his family tragically affected by this disease. At his own expense, he has produced a brief, but highly informative 2-part video on this very important subject. We urge everyone to view using the links below to raise awareness by passing on this link to coworkers.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIc5MX_ynjk&
Lyme Disease Awareness part 1 (Peter Borbas)
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13H_tVd1vH4&
Lyme Disease Awareness part 2 (Peter Borbas)
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