Hispanic Risk of Lyme Disease

Hispanic risk of Lyme disease may be influenced by differences in access to care, awareness, and prevention practices. In their article, “Knowledge and prevention of tick-borne diseases among Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents of Maryland and Virginia,” Hu and colleagues found that Hispanics were more likely to have disseminated Lyme disease compared with non-Hispanics, highlighting the importance of recognizing early Lyme disease symptoms.

The study highlights several factors that may contribute to the Hispanic risk of Lyme disease.

1. “lack of health insurance among much of the population leading to delayed care”
2. “language barriers when accessing health care”
3. “lack of awareness of early LD symptoms”

Barriers such as lack of health insurance, language differences, and limited awareness may contribute to delays in Lyme disease diagnosis and care.

In addition, the study found Hispanic individuals had a different understanding of Lyme disease when compared to non-Hispanic individuals.

1. Hispanic respondents were less likely (21%) than non‐Hispanics (53%) to report familiarity with Lyme disease symptoms.
2. Hispanic respondents were less likely (40%) than non‐Hispanics (85%) to correctly identify ticks as vectors of Lyme disease.

Hispanic individuals also differed in some areas of personal protection.

1. Hispanic respondents were less likely (17%) than non‐Hispanics (35%) to check for ticks daily.
2. However, Hispanic respondents were more likely (36%) than non‐Hispanics (25%) to shower after coming indoors.

Differences in prevention behaviors also highlight the need for improved Lyme disease prevention education tailored to at-risk communities.

[bctt tweet=”Lyme disease risk is greater for Hispanic population, according to a new study.” username=”DrDanielCameron”]

A language barrier played a role in impacting the Hispanic population’s understanding of Lyme disease. According to Hu, “primary English speakers had approximately 2‐ to 10‐fold greater odds of knowledge and preventive practices for LD as compared to primary Spanish speakers.”

These findings underscore the importance of improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate education, early diagnosis, and prevention strategies for Lyme disease. Addressing these gaps may help reduce delays in care and improve outcomes for Hispanic patients.

Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.

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