For Immediate Release
For Information or Interview Requests
Contact: Sue Ferrara, PhD
Email: pr*******@***ds.org
Phone: (609) 947-9489
Back to School: The ABCs of Lyme and Other Tick-borne Infections
As families transition from summer activities to back-to-school preparations, the
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) urges parents to think about
where their children have spent time this summer, where they will play during recess,
and where student athletes will practice or compete during fall sports seasons.
Learning the simple ABCs of tick bites can help parents keep students safe and healthy.
Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH, President of ILADS, advises parents to monitor children returning
from summer camp or extended outdoor activities for signs of possible Lyme infection.
“Many people never see a tick as it is biting, and many never develop the classic
bull’s-eye rash,” said Dr. Cameron. “However, parents should watch for other symptoms,
including fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, and joint pain.”
Understanding ticks and the infections they transmit remains a work in progress.
Until recently, many healthcare providers treated a tick bite or bull’s-eye rash
with one of two approaches: a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline, or three to four weeks
of doxycycline 100 mg taken twice daily. On August 1, 2014, ILADS released updated
guidelines recommending changes to treatment protocols.
“Lyme disease is a complex illness,” the guideline authors noted. “Patients may experience
both acute and persistent manifestations.” These persistent symptoms, Dr. Cameron added,
are often poorly understood and may be attributed to causes other than a tick bite.
Students can be bitten in their own backyards. Parents should encourage children to avoid
tall grass while walking to and from school or playing outdoors during recess. Parents and
coaches should also evaluate areas surrounding athletic fields used for practices and games.
Parents of students who run cross-country may wish to discuss the use of insect repellents
containing DEET, which are effective against mosquitoes and may repel ticks. Uniforms and
athletic clothing can also be treated with permethrin.
Permethrin safety information:
https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/Permtech.pdf
Here are the ABCs of Lyme and tick-borne diseases from ILADS:
A – Awareness
Although ticks are commonly associated with wooded areas, many people are bitten in their
own backyards. Ticks may be carried indoors by pets such as dogs and cats, and even horses
have been known to transfer ticks to people. Awareness of one’s environment and taking
preventive precautions can reduce exposure.
The University of Rhode Island hosts the TickEncounter Resource Center, which provides
extensive educational materials:
https://www.tickencounter.org
B – Bites
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has stated that a tick must be
attached for 36 hours to transmit Lyme disease; however, newer research challenges this
assumption. As a result, frequent tick checks remain the most effective preventive strategy.
Parents should not rely solely on showering after outdoor activity. Ticks can remain
attached despite cleansing. Be sure to check along the hairline, behind the knees, and
across the back—areas children may not be able to see. If a tick is found, it should be
removed carefully and promptly.
ILADS provides an instructional video on proper tick removal:
https://www.ilads.org/lyme/what-to-do-if-bit-by-tick.php
C – Challenges
While some cases of Lyme disease resolve with routine treatment, many patients experience
long-term consequences. Ticks can transmit more than Lyme disease, and diagnosing associated
infections requires clinical experience.
Finding a knowledgeable healthcare provider—often referred to by patients as a Lyme-literate
clinician—can be critical to recovery. ILADS offers patient education resources and assistance
in locating appropriate physicians. National, state, and local Lyme support groups may also
help patients find care.
Lyme support groups in the United States:
https://www.lymenet.org/SupportGroups/UnitedStates/
