Tickborne Diseases
In the United States, ticks carry many different pathogens that can cause a variety of human diseases. One of the most common of these is Lyme disease. Many tickborne diseases are challenging to diagnose because their symptoms imitate other common illnesses. The prevention of tickborne disease involves avoidance of tick-infested areas, the appropriate use of proper clothing, and insect repellents.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Explain how ticks infect their host.
- Identify how Lyme disease is spread.
- Describe the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.
- Discuss the methods for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease.
- Describe other tickborne diseases found in the United States.
- List ways to prevent tickborne diseases and properly remove a tick.
There are many different tickborne diseases in the United States. The most commonly known is Lyme disease. However, more than a dozen lesser-known tick-related diseases have been identified in the United States, and approximately six tickborne diseases are present globally. The focus of this course is on tickborne diseases in the United States, with a primary focus on the most well-known and most commonly seen— Lyme disease. A brief summary of several other tick-related diseases is also presented.
How ticks infect their hosts
Ticks cannot fly or jump so they find a host by resting on the tips of grasses and shrubs in a position called “questing.” They hold onto the grass or leaves with their lower legs and their upper pair of legs are outstretched, waiting to climb onto a passing host. When the host brushes the spot where the tick is resting, it quickly climbs onto the host and then finds a place to bite the host and obtain its “blood meal” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015a).
The tick feeding process makes it particularly adept at transmitting infections (CDC, 2015a):
- Depending on the species and age of the tick, preparing to feed can take from 10 minutes to 2 hours. The tick searches for a feeding spot, grasps the skin and cuts into the surface. It then inserts its feeding tube and many will also secrete a cement-like substance that keeps them firmly attached during their meal. The feeding tube can have barbs, which also helps keep the tick in place.
- Ticks often secrete a small amount of saliva with anesthetic properties so the host cannot feel the tick bite. If the tick is in a less visible location, it can often go unnoticed.
- Once a tick attaches to its host and begins sucking, it can suck the blood slowly for several days. If the host has bloodborne pathogens (such as the bacteria that cause Lyme disease), the tick often ingests the pathogen and becomes infected. When the infected tick later feeds on a human, the human can become infected. Once infected, the tick can transmit infection throughout its life.
- After feeding, the tick drops off the host and begins its next life cycle stage.
- If a tick is removed quickly (within 24 hours), the chances of obtaining a tickborne disease are greatly reduced. The longer the tick is attached, the greater the risk of acquiring a disease.
Complete the course post exam (CE Test) with a score of 80% or greater. Complete all fields of the course evaluation form. Certificate of Completion is provided once the course post exam is passed per criteria above.
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American Board of Managed Care NursingThe American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
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ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing CenterALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Centers Commission on Accreditation.
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AOTA - American Occupational Therapy AssociationALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, is an approved provider of continuing education for occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Approved Provider # 3166
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California Board of Behavioral SciencesCalifornia Board of Behavioral Sciences Provider Number PCE 1564. Course meets the qualifications for the stated hours of continuing education credit for MFTs and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
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California Board of Registered NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 14693 for the number of hours stated.
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California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification SectionThe California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.
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District of Columbia Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE BROKER after successful completion.
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Florida Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of nursing (CE Provider # 50-12076). Courses are automatically submitted to CE Broker.
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Florida Board of Nursing - Certified Nursing AssistantsALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
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Florida Board of Respiratory CareALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care
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Florida Council of Dietetics and NutritionALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Dietetitics and Nutrition
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Florida Council of Licensed MidwiferyALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Licensed Midwifery
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NAADAC - The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse CounselorsThis course has been approved by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #813, ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
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NCBTMB -National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & BodyworkALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. Provider Number 451562-11.
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Florida Board of Massage TherapistsALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Massage Therapists
0.1
Beginner/Introductory
Domain of OT
September 01, 2021
- Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC
- Caroline Young, MPH
Continuing education (CE) licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, are not well defined, and may change. These CE requirements may vary in terms of the number of hours required to the types of courses that must be taken. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC recommends you contact your licensing board or accrediting organization for the latest continuing education requirements of your state or territory. Compliance with CE requirements is the responsibility of the individual health care provider. Health care providers must understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions, and be sure they are up-to-date on any rule changes that affect their license. For further information, please see our Accreditation Information.
Every effort will be made to accommodate your special needs. To request accommodations, please contact us.
The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.
No commercial support has been received for this activity.
Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC approval or endorsement of any commercial product.
None of the authors intend to discuss off-label uses of drugs, mechanical devices, biologics, or diagnostics not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
