Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:22:08 -0400
From: Rosemary McCooey
Subject: Tick prevention event offered by Chatham County Public Health Department
As most local citizens know, tick-borne illnesses are major problems in and around Chatham County. To combat these, the Chatham County Public Health Department is hosting a tick-borne disease community education event. Scheduled for July 23, the event is free and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
The educational event will feature three local community experts. The speakers include Dr. David Weber, a professor from UNC, who will discuss the symptoms and treatment of the most common tick diseases. Dr. Wes Watson, an entomologist from NC State University, will speak about the different types of ticks that are found in Chatham and how their diseases are transmitted. Finally, Judi Anderson from the DEET Education Program will speak about prevention of tick bites.
The free event will be Monday, July 23rd from 6:30 – 7:30pm. It will be held at the Barn at Fearrington, 2000 Fearrington Village Center in Pittsboro.
Construction and utility workers, along with anyone else who works outside or are otherwise exposed to ticks are especially urged to come to learn about their own safety.
Even those aware of the dangers and how to protect themselves are at risk. Marcia Herman of TIC-NC suffers about 20 tick bites each year, even with the use of DEET and protective clothing. She considers herself “lucky” to only occasionally suffer from STARI, and never to have encountered Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). She is able to recognize symptoms, and knowing the potential severity, quickly seeks medical attention. All Chatham residents who are aware of tick bites are advised to do the same.
This educational program is part of a series started by the CDC. The goal is to prevent the spread of disease transmitted through ticks, including RMSF, Lyme, STARI, and others. RMSF is the second most commonly reported disease in Chatham County. There were 66 confirmed cases from July 2010 through June 2011, more than five times the expected rate based on our population.
Many resources on the subject are available online. To learn more, go to www.DEETOnline.org<http://www.DEETOnline.org>, or call the hotline at 1-888-NO-BITES (1-888-662-4837).
Those who plan to attend the education event are asked to RSVP by phone or e-mail. For more information concerning the event or to RSVP, please contact Anne Lowry (<mailto:>,
919-545-8310) or Anna Allen (<mailto:>) at the Chatham County Public Health Department Division of Environmental Health.
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