Tick-Borne Diseases Course

Tick-Borne Diseases Course is organized by NurseCe4less.

Statement of Learning Need:
Clinicians need to know the signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, as well as the recommended treatment if a patient comes into contact with a tick. There are varied types of tick-borne illnesses, including rare conditions that can affect a person’s heart. Prevention is an important aspect of clinical care, which includes decreasing human exposure to ticks and reducing the contact with a tick, active environmental and animal surveillance, and educating people on recommendations for tick exposure in their geographical areas.

Course Purpose:
To educate health clinicians on the types of ticks, the geographical region where certain species of ticks are found, and the disease each species may transmit to humans and pets.

Course Summary:
Many different types of ticks are found in tall grasses, fields and wooded areas that attach to a host. Ticks are categorized as hard-shell and soft-shell ticks and can transmit a wide variety of diseases. Prevention from tick bites includes walking in the center of trails, wearing clothes that protects against ticks, and the use of EPA-registered insect repellents. Early attention and treatment of tick bites helps to prevent or minimize illnesses that may be transmitted. A case of tick-borne disease is discussed, which highlights the rare condition of endocarditis in a patient diagnosed with Lyme disease.