Bugs bite: Remind patients about insect-borne diseases this summer
By Brian Ward
Warn your patients that bites from mosquitos, ticks, and other insects aren’t just an annoyance this summer, but also can carry dangerous and life-threatening diseases. The importance of taking precautions like bug spray and regular tick checks can’t be overstated to patients who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Diseases carried by insects and parasites are called vector-borne diseases. According to the CDC, some of the most common vector-borne diseases are Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and Anaplasmosis, though those aren’t the only ones patients need to worry about.
As part of its “Fight the Bite!” campaign, the CDC has published information to share with patients who work outdoors or plan to be outdoors this summer:
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent
- Wear loose-fitting long clothing to protect your skin
- Treat clothes and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin
- Avoid brushy areas
- Empty standing water so mosquitos can’t lay their eggs
- Use air conditioning and screens to keep bugs out
- Prevent ticks on dogs
- Check for ticks after going outside
- Take a shower after being outdoors
- Tumble dry clothes on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks