The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50702

Richard Dryden, PhD, Biology, Professor of Biology, Washington & Jefferson College, Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA 15301, 724-223-6116, rdryden@washjeff.edu, Adenike Bitto, MD, DrPH, MPH, CHES, Health, East Stroudsburg University, P.O. Box 155, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, and Jacquelyn A. Hakim, MS, MPH, Director, Monroe County Vector Control, 38 North 7th Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360.

The purpose of this presentation is to highlight another emerging arthropod-borne infection. Reports indicate that dual infections with Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis can confound diagnosis, and delay appropriate treatment. Three hundred ticks were tested in Monroe County, PA in 2001 for co-infection with Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. Although Lyme disease is hyperendemic among the tick population, none of the tested samples was positive for Ehrlichiosis. However, one sample was poistive for the animal Ehrlichiosis. Ticks were examined using polymerase cahion reaction. The negative findings indicate a need for continued surveillance activities as Erhlichiosis is prevalent in other regions of Pennsylvania. Conference participants will need to talk with their local/county health departments and seek epidemiological information specific to each locality. Public health workers may also need to activate surveillance programs where necessary.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the APHA participant will be able to

• Articulate the need for surveillance activities targeted at Ehrlichiosis
• Describe surveillance techniques for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

Keywords: Surveillance, Rural Communities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.