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Public Service Campaign From Quidel Corporation Directed Toward Heightening Awareness Among Summer Camps of the Dangers of Lyme Disease
--News Direct--The opening of summer camps for the first time in two years is good news for children across America. Unfortunately, it’s also good news for
About this update from Quidelortho Corporation
[{"type":"text","content":"--News Direct--The opening of summer camps for the first time in two years is good news for children across America. Unfortunately, it’s also good news for deer ticks, which now have a whole new population to prey upon and to potentially spread infectious Lyme disease.To help camp directors and counselors heighten their awareness of this issue, a public service campaign has been launched by Quidel Corporation, the nation’s leading developer of rapid Lyme disease testing. The campaign includes printed educational materials being sent to camps around the country; information shared on social media platforms; and other components all built around education, prevention and mindfulness of the dangers of Lyme disease.“Lyme disease is one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the country, affecting as many as 476,000 Americans of all ages annually,” said Judi Tilghman, Ph.D., vice president of technology assessment at Quidel Corporation. “Lyme disease occurs when people are bitten by an infected deer tick. The spirochetes from the bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi have the ability to burrow between bones, cells, joints and a person’s central nervous system and can lead to serious, life-threatening problems if not caught early. That’s why it is so important to take proper precautions, know the warning signs of Lyme disease, and test immediately if Lyme disease is suspected.”The educational materials produced by Quidel and sent to summer camps remind camp directors that there are a number of things they can do to help protect both staff and campers and minimize the chance of catching Lyme disease. These include:“Tick proofing” the campsite by clearing brush and leaves and mowing the lawn regularly. Sticking to trails and avoid walking through low bushes or long grass when on hikes or simply out exploring.Wearing long pants, shirts, a hat and gloves when in wooded areas. Applying lavender oil or insect repellants on legs, arms and any bare skin before heading out.Upon returning to the campsite, everyone should check their entire body for ticks, including low-visibility areas such as the groin, underarms and the back of the neck. Showering right away using a washcloth to help remove unattached ticks.Putting all worn clothes in the dryer.If a camper or staffer is suspected of having Lyme disease or displaying early symptoms, Qui...