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- Title
Lyme disease in British Columbia: Are we really missing an epidemic?
- Authors
Henry, B.; Morshed, M.
- Abstract
The risk of Lyme disease depends on climate, geography, the abundance of specific insect vectors, and human interaction with these. In BC, Ixodes pacificus, the primary tick vector for the causeative spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, has consistently been found in low numbers in populous areas, and rates of infection in this tick remain at less than 1%. Correspondingly, rates of human cases of Lyme disease in BC are less than 0.5 per 100 000 per year; this is similar to rates reported in US states with environmental epidemiology like BC's and considerably less than in high endemic areas of the eastern United States (29 per 100 000). There is no evidence to support an epidemic of Lyme disease in BC. Responses to a recent survey indicate that physicians generally are aware of the low but real risk of Lyme disease, know to treat patients with clinical symptoms, and understand that Lyme disease is preventable and treatable. Public health authorities will continue to remind residents and visitors to BC of the simple measures they can take to prevent tick bites and exposure, as well as which early signs and symptoms should lead them to seek appropriate medical treatment.
- Publication
British Columbia Medical Journal, 2011, Vol 53, Issue 5, p224
- ISSN
0007-0556
- Publication type
Academic Journal