Rural Health Scholars Program

(The above video was shot at a presentation for the Rural Health Scholars Program end of year report)

 

Chappy Pilot Findings

The following findings were gathered by Rural Health Scholars in the summer of 2011.

Disease Exposure in Man: 
  • Babesia: 18.2%
  • Lyme Disease: 15.2%
  • Tularemia: 9.1%
  • Anaplasmia: 0%
Disease Prevalence in Deer Ticks: 

Nymphs:

  • No Disease: 59%
  • Lyme Disease: 25%
  • Babesia: 12%
  • >1 TBI Disease: 9%
  • Anaplasmia: 4%

Adults:

  • Lyme Disease: 55%
  • No Disease: 23%
  • >1 TBI Disease: 22%
  • Anaplasmia: 15%
  • Babesia: 7%
Personal Property Assessment: 
  • 29% had deer tick nymphs; 42% had dog ticks
  • 81% saw deer more than once a week; 23% daily
  • 82% saw TBI as a serious health concern
  • 68% support Town/County funding of tick control
  • 44% support BOH regulations to mandate homeowner tick control
  • 59% support efforts to reduce deer population; 10% opposed

Naushon Pilot Findings

In 1986, Naushon residents provided sera samples to determine their exposure to Lyme Disease. Since then, public education efforts have improved and the Naushon deer population has been reduced by 85% due to predation by coyotes. In 2011, 85 Naushon residents again provided sera samples for TBI testing.

Exposure in Man: 

1986:

  • Lyme Disease: 21.4%
  • Babesia: 8%
  • Tularemia: 3%
  • Anaplasmia: 1%

2011:

  • Lyme Disease: 12.9%
  • Babesia: 12.9%
  • Tularemia: 5.9%
  • Anaplasmia: 2.4%
  

 

 


Visit the Rural Health Scholars Program website for more information.

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